Intermodal Transfers Offer Creative Recovery Options from Postpartum Depression: A Critical Literature Review with Recommendations for Treatment

Author

Sarah SwedlowFollow

Date of Award

Spring 5-21-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA - Master of Arts

Department

Expressive Therapies

Advisor

Raquel Stephenson

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is considered as a universal health epidemic, affecting between 10-20% of mothers. Despite this high prevalence rate, symptoms of PPD often go overlooked and underdiagnosed in physical and mental healthcare due to a lack of research and awareness. The expressive therapies have introduced creative treatment options for PPD; however the modalities are often kept separate. Intermodal transfers, informed by the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC), can provide effective and accessible benefits to mothers with PPD. This literature review critically analyzes the efficacy of intermodal transfers in the treatment of PPD. The findings show that a multimodal approach is accessible and effective in reducing depressive symptoms, potentially preventing the severity of PPD, and improving the support for new mothers. A proposed intervention is included in the appendix for guidance towards future practice.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Swedlow, Sarah, "Intermodal Transfers Offer Creative Recovery Options from Postpartum Depression: A Critical Literature Review with Recommendations for Treatment" (2022). Expressive Therapies Capstone Theses. 564.
https://digitalcommons.lesley.edu/expressive_theses/564