The Perinatal IBIS Lab research team participates in a new research project funded by the AEI. The subject of the project, whose abbreviated title is EXPAR-P, is the influence of childbirth in the development of parenthood. Moreover, it explores its impact in the development of healthy relationships between parents and children.
The project will bring up the following questions: How do a person’s past experiences affect how they go through childbirth? What effect does it have on perinatal mental health? What about parental bonding and the development of parenting abilities?
The main goal of this study is to create and test psychological tools used to assess parents during the perinatal period. The study will also examine how certain psychological traits can predict the birthing experience for both mothers and fathers. Finally, it aims to assess how the childbirth experience affects parenting and mental health from immediately after birth through the baby’s first six months.
The project EXPAR-P follows two Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 3 (good health and well-being) and 5 (gendered equality). On the one hand, previous studies show that giving birth affects mothers’ mental health directly, with cases of self-esteem issues, crushed expectations, stress or even birth-related PTSD. On the other hand, fathers can experience PTSD as well, but their mental health issues tend to manifest as hyperactivity and a general feeling of uselessness. The impact of childbirth on fathers is an under-researched topic, but several studies have proven that professional support can help them feel more involved in the perinatal period.
EXPAR-P expects to have a direct impact in perinatal mental health by offering digital psychological orientation and open communication of the results of the research. It will be a product of the collaboration between researchers from several institutions, such as the University of Comillas, the Loyola University or the Perinatal IBIS Lab. The research has already begun and it’s projected to continue over the following four years.
Participating in initiatives such as the EXPAR-P project is a privilege for our research team. Our primary objective is to promote awareness and understanding of mental health during the perinatal period. We are committed to disseminating the findings of our work to facilitate improved support for both professionals and families.
