Project Overview
The PhD is a collaborative project between the National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre (NPEC) and the National Suicide Research Foundation (NSRF) entitled, “Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder after a traumatic childbirth: a mixed-method study”.
PTSD in the perinatal period is caused by a traumatic or difficult experience prior to or during pregnancy, delivery or the 12 months following birth and presents as persistent distress marked by intrusive memories, avoidance of reminders, negative shifts in mood and thinking, and heightened reactivity following a pregnancy, birth or the months following birth.
Project Aims
The overall aim of the PhD is to improve the identification of mothers at risk of developing perinatal PTSD.
There will be four possible studies which take place over four years, including a literature review of existing screening practices for perinatal PTSD and how they affect the prevalence of perinatal PTSD, a data analysis study which examines existing data on factors relating to perinatal PTSD and two qualitative studies which will explore the experiences of both clinicians and mothers.
This project will incorporate a lived experience component to ensure that the perspectives of those directly affected are meaningfully included. At least two lived experience representatives will be recruited to contribute to and advise on the project throughout.
Team members involved
Ms Grace Phillips (PhD Candidate)
National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork.
Dr Paul Corcoran
National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork.
Dr Eve Griffin
National Suicide Research Foundation, Cork.
Dr Tamara Escañuela Sánchez
National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork.
Funding
Grace has received the Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholarship 2025 funding for this project.
