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Women's Issues

(PS10-86) How Taking Part in a High-Risk Follow-up Program Impacts Caregiver Quality of Life, Attachment and Postpartum Depression Levels

Sunday, November 23, 2025
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM CST
Location: Elite Hall A, Level 1
Abstract Text:

This study examines the impact of participation in a High-Risk Follow-Up Program (HRFP) in the Coastal Bend Area on Follow-up Program in the Coastal Bend Area on maternal well-being. Specifically, it assesses changes in mothers’ quality of life, maternal-infant attachment, and the incidence and severity of postpartum depression across different stages of program enrollment (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd year). By integrating an evidence-based, identity-affirming approach, this research highlights how structured follow-up programs can bridge the gap in maternal health care and enhance long-term psychological outcomes for diverse populations



Following high-risk pregnancies and births, maternal participation in HRFPs promote well-being and overall quality of life (Franck et al., 2023). These programs provide essential emotional and practical support that mitigates stress, fosters secure infant attachment and strengthens coping mechanisms. However, access to such programs remains inconsistent, particularly for structurally marginalized communities (Litt & Campbell, 2023). Understanding how HRFPs improve maternal mental health can inform the development of more inclusive interventions (Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000).



A total of 100 mothers, all caregivers of high-risk infants, will be recruited for this study. Self-report data will be collected using validated measures, including the WHOQOL-BREF, Maternal Postnatal Attachment Scale (MPAS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS).



It is hypothesized that mothers nearing program completion will report higher quality of life and stronger maternal-infant attachment, as well as lower postpartum depression scores compared to those in earlier stages. These findings will contribute to those in earlier stages. These findings will contribute to broader understanding of how structured-evidence-based interventions can enhance maternal mental health outcomes and reduce disparities in access to affirming, culturally responsive care. By promoting rigorous scientific evaluation of HRFP, this study aims to inform policy and practice improvements that extend the reach and impact of cognitive and behavioral therapies.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Examine the role of High-Risk Follow-up Programs in improving maternal mental health, particularly in structurally marginalized populations.
  2. Analyze the impact of HRFP participation on maternal infant attachment, quality of life and postpartum depression using psychological measures.
  3. Identify moderators, such as identity-based factors, that influence the effectiveness of HRFPs in promoting maternal and infant well-being.