This thesis investigated therapeutic services and interventions for parents who experience mental health difficulties.
Chapter One is a scoping review that provides an overview of interventions aimed at supporting parents with a personality disorder diagnosis in their parenting role. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria and were reviewed to identify (1) participant characteristics, (2) intervention designs and underlying theoretical frameworks, and (3) outcomes related to parents and children. There is preliminary evidence to suggest that interventions adapted from evidence-based interventions for personality disorders, which incorporate a parent-child relational focus, may be effective for parents with personality disorders and their children. Parents with personality disorder diagnoses may find universal parenting programs that are child-focused challenging. The findings may extend beyond clinical populations to parents who have histories of childhood trauma. Further research is proposed that addresses gaps in knowledge and methodological limitations.
Chapter Two explores narratives of mothers who required support from a mother and baby unit in a rural part of the UK (North Wales) when there was no local provision. A qualitative design adopting a narrative approach was used. Findings revealed a meta-narrative with five chapters common to each mothers’ story: (1) Preparing for baby: (Great) expectations, (2) Unexpected events: Vulnerability, fear and confusion, (3) Making difficult decisions: Sacrifices and suffering, (4) Walking the path to recovery: Support and healing, (5) Living with the consequences: Grief, uncertainty, and meaning making. The findings have clinical implications which identify service development needs to help reduce barriers for women requiring a mother and baby unit admission in a rural area.
Chapter Three highlights implications for clinical practice, future research and theory development, and concludes with a reflective commentary.