The purpose of this project is to evaluate and disseminate a novel, animated, educational video about unwanted, intrusive thoughts (UITs) of infant-related harm, and their relationship with mental health and infant safety. To our knowledge, this is the only educational video on this topic.
Our primary aim is to distribute the video to audiences throughout BC, including pregnant and postpartum people, their families, care providers and organizations involved in providing care to perinatal people.
Prior to dissemination, we will evaluate the video by administering it to pregnant people to see if it reduces postpartum mental health symptoms which can arise in response to UITs of infant-related harm. One half of study participants will view our video and the other half will view a different video not related to infant harm. We expect that participants who view our video will experience fewer UITs of infant harm, find them less distressing, and report fewer symptoms of depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Testing allows us to share the video with confidence, knowing it is effective in improving parents’ mental health.