Cognitive Behavioural and Art-based program (CB-ART): a pilot study in an early parenting centre

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Psychology
• Perinatal Care

Background:

• Pregnancy and early motherhood present significant psychological challenges.
• Perinatal mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, often require professional intervention.
• Art-based therapies are increasingly recognized for their value in mental health prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of Cognitive Behavioural and Art-based intervention (CB-ART).
• To assess CB-ART among women in a residential early parenting unit.

Main Methods:

• A single-centre, mixed-methods pre- and post-test pilot study.
• Two 1-hour CB-ART group sessions were delivered during a 5-day residential stay.
• Questionnaires (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Short Profile of Emotional Competence) and qualitative interviews were used for evaluation.

Main Results:

• Eight participants completed the study, with two CB-ART groups conducted.
• A significant improvement in postnatal depression symptoms and a marginal improvement in emotional insight were observed.
• Thematic analysis confirmed CB-ART as a feasible and acceptable method for facilitating reflection.

Conclusions:

• The CB-ART program is a feasible, acceptable, and safe addition to residential early parenting services.
• Preliminary data suggest potential therapeutic benefits for perinatal mental health.
• Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of CB-ART.