“It kind of strips down your relationship to its defining features……it just kind of shone a light on what was already there”: A grounded theory of the impact of postpartum psychosis on the couple’s relationship

Background
Postpartum psychosis is a severe mental health illness following childbirth. Studies to date have developed from initial focus on experiences of women to address the role and experiences of partners, and recently to touch on the effect on their relationship. This study aimed to build on this work, by focussing directly on the impact of postpartum psychosis on the couple’s relationship, from the perspectives of both the woman and her partner.

Method
A constructivist grounded theory approach was utilised to generate a theory that explained the impact of postpartum psychosis on the couple’s relationship. In-depth semi-structured interviews were completed with a sample of eight women and six partners.

Results
Four stages and five general categories described the processes that the couple experienced, and the impact postpartum psychosis had on their relationship.

Discussion
The grounded theory adds to current evidence and helps increase understanding of factors that play a role in adjustment and outcomes. New insights were identified, including postpartum psychosis amplifying existing relational patterns; and the mediating role of the pre-existing relationship and couplehood. Clinical implications and areas for further research are considered.