Using mindfulness and optimism to improve maternal health during pregnancy
Mindfulness, Optimism and Resilience for Perinatal Health and Equity (MORPHE) Trial
This study is looking at how using a mindfulness app called Expectful can help improve the mental health of pregnant people, especially those who have gone through tough birth experiences, by making them feel more positive and less anxious.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Miriam Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10928187 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how mindfulness and optimism can help improve the mental health of pregnant individuals, particularly those who have experienced traumatic births. It involves a randomized clinical trial where participants will use a mindfulness app called Expectful, which is designed to enhance resilience and reduce anxiety and PTSD symptoms. The study aims to assess how effective this app is compared to routine care in supporting mental well-being during pregnancy, especially for those from underserved populations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals with low dispositional optimism who have experienced traumatic birth events.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have low dispositional optimism may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health outcomes for pregnant individuals, reducing the risk of postpartum PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that mindfulness interventions can be effective in improving mental health outcomes in various populations, suggesting potential success in this novel application for perinatal health.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Miriam Hospital — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ayala, Nina Karlsen — Miriam Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ayala, Nina Karlsen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.