(PS8-D77) Perinatal Individuals’ Attitudes Towards Participation in an Experience Sampling Method (ESM) Feasibility Pilot Study

Perinatal mood and affective concerns are common and can lead to negative consequences for mother and baby (Gavin et al., 2005; Lupien et al., 2009; Ruiz et al., 2005; Staneva et al., 2015). Negative interpersonal experiences and self-criticism may be more associated with distress than social support is associated with benefits (Sockol et al., 2014; Fonseca & Canavarro 2018; Lincoln, 2000; Wilson et al., 2020). Mindfulness is an important protective factor against daily affective issues, perinatal distress, and perinatal mood disorders’ negative impact (Blanke et al., 2018; Hicks et al., 2018; Jislin-Goldberg et al., 2012). Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) foster mindfulness, support perinatal well-being, and may be delivered electronically (e.g., Dhillon et al., 2017; Duncan et al., 2017; Hunter et al., 2019). Self-compassion is an important MBI mechanism and is especially salient in the perinatal period (Baer et al., 2012; Fonseca & Canavarro, 2018; Townshend & Caltabiano, 2019). Mindfulness and self-compassion may be important buffers between negative social interaction and affect in new mothers’ daily lives. Lastly, the increasing feasibility and utility of experience sampling method (ESM; e.g., Lahtinen & Salmivalli, 2020), presents an opportunity to study perinatal individuals’ daily experiences and inform optimization of accessible supports for perinatal well-being.

In an app-based ESM pilot feasibility study, perinatal individuals (N=20) completed six daily surveys of mindfulness, self-compassion, interpersonal interactions, and affect for one week (ESM adherence=88%). Following, most participants (n=18) completed an optional survey regarding their experiences of ESM participation. Survey findings will be discussed; some of which are described below. The sample was 95% White; 85% had a bachelor’s degree, 40% were pregnant, 60% were within 6-months postpartum, and 100% were partnered (M_age=33.5,SD=3.97).

The majority reported their overall experience of participation as “moderately positive” (n=10, 55%) and that they would be “extremely likely” to participate in a similar program in the future (n=10, 55%). Most participants indicated that ESM surveys were “extremely” to “moderately acceptable” (n=14, 77%). When asked what they did not like about participation, respondents qualitatively reported that they would prefer greater control over the timeframe of the ESM survey distribution schedule. Participants’ qualitative responses of what they liked about participation prominently described appreciation for the surveys. Despite feeling lonely prior to participation, the ESM surveys revealed that the frequency of their interpersonal interactions was higher than participants previously thought. Participants found the surveys to be supportive, helpful opportunities/reminders to savor positive interactions, be mindful/present-focused, become aware of moment-to-moment affective experience, and speak kindly to oneself.

This work is relevant to optimize accessible novel methods of delivering mental health support in the perinatal period especially during emergencies that limit access to care amid this vulnerable period. Clinical implications and future directions will be discussed.