An exploration of self-determination theory in a maternal mental health context : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Psychology at Massey University, New Zealand
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Date
2022
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Massey University
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Abstract
This study aimed to explore how self-determination theory could be applied to postpartum women in the first 12 months post-birth. Semi-structured interviews with 11 women across New Zealand were conducted with the goal of gaining an understanding of how the three elements of self- determination theory, autonomy, competence, and relatedness, impacted their mental health postpartum. Participants were recruited from motherhood-related Facebook pages. The pages approached were The Sleep Store’s 4–12 Month, Bottle and Formula Feeding, Breastfeeding NZ, and Timaru Parents Centre. The inclusion criteria for the participants were to be aged 18 years or over, have given birth in the last 12 months, and have this child in their care. Using Braun and Clarke’s six-step thematic analysis, four major themes were identified from the data: lifestyle changes, personal changes, postpartum support, and emotional challenges. Within these four themes were a total of 14 subthemes. This study emphasises the importance of social connection during the postpartum phase for women, as well as highlighting the importance of feelings of competence and achievement during this time. An important finding of this study was the mental benefits for women who were working outside the home in some capacity, as well as the positive impact of regular physical activity. The timing of this study allowed for a unique insight into the postpartum experience for women during the COVID-19 pandemic and how social isolation was an added challenge for women post-birth. These findings highlight how autonomy, competence, and relatedness are strong influencing factors in a woman’s overall wellbeing during the first 12 months post-birth.