Development and pilot of a positive measure of maternal mental health: The C-MEWS

Abstract

The existence of maternal wellbeing is characterised largely by the absence of depressive symptoms and mental illness. This study aimed to develop a positive measure of maternal wellbeing to be used with new mothers to determine mental health levels. Participants (n=323) completed a pilot measure that consisted of sampled and purpose written items endorsed during phase 1 (total n=51). The scale was then analysed for reliability and consistency. During phase 2, a new measure of maternal mental wellbeing was piloted. The C-MEWS score was compared with total sores for the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale and the General Anxiety Disorder questionnaire, and successfully discriminated between them. The measure demonstrates high reliability and good validity, taking into account various external factors. This study leads existing research closer to a conceptual definition of maternal wellbeing and a possible new approach to maternal mental health.

Conceptualising women's perinatal well-being: A systematic review of theoretical discussions

“…Items go beyond the purely physical experience by including attitudes, psychological aspects, bonding with the baby, concerns about relationships and support from health professionals. The Clarry Maternal Emotional Wellbeing Scale (C-MEWS) (Clarry & Carson, 2018) aims to provide a positive measure of maternal well-being, with a focus on emotional well-being, but also including other domains. The Mother-Generated Index (Symon, MacDonald, & Ruta, 2002) allows women to specify areas of their life which have been affected by becoming a parent, rather than providing a pre-defined list; while it measures quality of life, it is also described as an indicator of well-being.…”

“…The included papers describe PWB as 'multidimensional', 'multifaceted' or 'multifactorial'. Some propose a number of broad dimensions, such as physical, psychological, social, spiritual, economic, ecological (Allan et al, 2013);physiological, spiritual, emotional, social (O'Brien et al, 1999); and environmental, physical and social (Clarry & Carson, 2018). Others do not elaborate on dimensions beyond stating that well-being does not relate exclusively to physical or mental health (Clarry & Carson, 2018;Fahey & Shenassa, 2013;Jomeen & Martin, 2018;Reis & Alligood, 2008.…”

“…Some propose a number of broad dimensions, such as physical, psychological, social, spiritual, economic, ecological (Allan et al, 2013);physiological, spiritual, emotional, social (O'Brien et al, 1999); and environmental, physical and social (Clarry & Carson, 2018). Others do not elaborate on dimensions beyond stating that well-being does not relate exclusively to physical or mental health (Clarry & Carson, 2018;Fahey & Shenassa, 2013;Jomeen & Martin, 2018;Reis & Alligood, 2008. The Mother-Generated Index (Symon et al, 2002) takes a different approach by asking women to list the areas of their lives which have been affected by becoming a parent, thereby acknowledging the wide-reaching and subjective nature of well-being; women identified a range of domains, including physical, social, psychological, economic, mental, emotional, sexual and spiritual domains.…”

“…Most of the included papers specifically refer to these and for some it is the main focus (Alderdice et al, 2017;Clarry & Carson, 2018;Fahey & Shenassa, 2013). These issues specific to the perinatal period include, but are not limited to: the relationship with the fetus or baby; changes in relationships with the partner; other children and other family members; caring responsibilities; changes to employment status; the physical impact of pregnancy and birth; breastfeeding; sociocultural attitudes to pregnancy and motherhood; maternal role attainment; and perinatal mental health problems.…”

Association of psychosocial–spiritual experiences around childbirth and subsequent perinatal mental health outcomes: an integrated review

“…Perinatal mental health is topical and is a substantial concern for maternity care providers globally and informs drivers for maternal health policy, professional guidance and education (Clarry & Carson, 2018;Howard, Megnin-Viggars, Symington, & Pilling, 2014;Jones, Cymru, & O'Leary, 2018;Maternal Mental Health Alliance, 2016;MBRRACE-UK, 2015;NICE, 2014;NMC, 2010;RCM, 2015;Ross-Davie, Elliott, Sarkar, & Green, 2006). (Note MBRACE-UK is the acronym for Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries in the UK, NICE is National Institute of Clinical Excellence).…”