UEL launches study to promote maternal mental health

The University of East London has launched an innovative research study aimed at supporting postnatal mothers in east London.

The pioneering pilot case study, named SWAN - Self-healing and Well-being Interventions through Existential Advocacy and Narrative Inquiry, will explore and enhance maternal mental health in the community through the SOPHIE reflective framework alongside art-based activities and mindfulness.

The research team is actively seeking mothers who have given birth within the last three years, reside in east London, have not experienced stillbirth or multiple births in the past year, and have not previously been diagnosed with mental health issues.

The primary objective is to foster maternal mental health through a series of support group activities led by expert researchers and global mental health practitioners. These activities will provide a set of self-help tools crafted to nurture healing and fortitude by understanding participants’ care needs.

The insights provided by participants will be instrumental in understanding the factors influencing maternal mental health within east London's communities. The study, spanning four weeks, will involve pre- and post-survey assessments of participants’ well-being. The mothers will also engage in therapeutic sessions including art, poetry, music, and reflective activities, all aimed at fostering inner connection and resilience.

The research team comprises Principal Investigator Dr Gulnar Ali and co-investigators Ruksana Beigi and Dr Angie Voela from UEL, alongside collaborators from international institutions including Dr Nasreen Lalani, from Purdue University, USA; Dr Kawther Hamash, from Kennesaw State University, USA; Dr Salima Sulaiman, from Brock University, Canada; and Dr Gulnaz Virani, from University College Cork, Ireland.

Dr Gulnar Ali said, 

The postnatal period is a delicate phase for mothers as they navigate physical recuperation, emotional adjustments, and the demands of caring for a newborn. By delving into the challenges faced by postnatal mothers in east London, we can glean invaluable insights into the specific needs of this demographic and tailor interventions to support them effectively.”

All study results will be anonymised. Participants will be given gift vouchers and refreshments as tokens of appreciation for their involvement. For further details on participating in this study, please contact Dr Gulnar Ali at gulnar@uel.ac.uk or Ruksana Beigi at r.beigi@uel.ac.uk.