Effects of Attachment-Focused Parenting Intervention on Postpartum Depression and Biological Markers of Stress in Mothers and Their Infants
University of Colorado, Denver
Summary
The goal of this longitudinal study is to study the effects of a parenting skills group (Circle of Security Parenting, aka COSP) in mothers with postpartum depression. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Will changes in methylation of the OXTR rs53576 be apparent in mother and/or infant after having gone through the 8-week COSP program? * Will COSP participation be associated with improved symptoms of postpartum depression (over and above standard care), attachment style, and relational characteristics of the mother-infant dyad? * Will COSP participation be associated with changes in social behavior in the infant, and if so, do they persist throughout childhood? Participants will * Participate in an 8-week COSP program delivered remotely via Zoom. * Provide buccal swabs (mother and infant) to assess changes in methylation of OXTR rs53576 pre- versus post-intervention. * Complete a series of assessment questionnaires delivered remotely. * Videotape a play-based assessment in their home. * Receive infant developmental testing Researchers will compare characteristics of waitlist controls to those participating in the COSP program at the mid-way point of the program to see if the two groups differ.
Description
The primary aims of this study are to 1) better understand the biological/genetic mechanisms and processes of behavior change in mothers and babies relating to oxytocin receptor gene methylation; 2) complete an outcome assessment of the efficacy of the COSP intervention using a tele-health format, specifically in relation to treating maternal depression; 3) to better understand the mechanisms and processes of change in relation to maternal and infant co-regulation achieved through the promotion of a secure attachment between mothers and their at-risk infants, and to understand how these proces…