Women and their families' experiences of psychosocial interventions for perinatal mental health: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of qualitative studies.

Abstract

The perinatal period involves profound biopsychosocial change, during which many women experience mental health challenges influenced by psychosocial factors. Although interventions exist, most evaluations are quantitative, offering limited insight into women's lived experiences. This study systematically reviewed and synthesised qualitative evidence on perinatal women and their families' experiences of psychosocial interventions. In November 2024, searches of Medline, PsycINFO, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Google Advanced (grey literature) identified peer-reviewed, English-language studies reporting qualitative data. Thirty-one studies met inclusion criteria. Thematic synthesis identified six themes: Navigating matrescence, A tapestry of relationships, The influence of a therapeutic facilitator, Invisible walls, What works for perinatal women? and 'Left hanging', with 20 subthemes. Women valued psychosocial interventions and findings highlighted their impact across diverse perinatal experiences with facilitators and barriers identified. Key considerations included family involvement, engagement processes and the central role of therapeutic relationships for practice and future research.