Contemplating Help-Seeking in Perinatal Psychological Distress-A Meta-Ethnography.

Perinatal psychological distress (PPD) may cause delays in help-seeking in the perinatal period, which is crucial for families with small children. Help-seeking theories focus on rational processes of behavior wherein 'help-seeking' is viewed as a decision-making process, in which action is preceded by recognizing a problem. We identified the phase prior to actual help-seeking actions as a life situation and a phenomenon through which to gain a deeper understanding from women's own perspectives. The aim of this study was to integrate and synthesize knowledge of women's experiences of contemplating seeking help for PPD. We chose interpretative meta-ethnography by Noblit and Hare (1988) and implemented eMERGe guidelines in reporting. The search was performed systematically, and the 14 included studies were evaluated with Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist (CASP). We identified seven themes and a metaphor in a lines-of-argument synthesis, showing that contemplating help-seeking is a multidimensional phenomenon. We did not observe a straightforward and linear process (as previous research suggests) but instead a complex process of contemplating help-seeking. A clinical implication is that service providers should work with outreach and develop their tools to connect with mothers with PPD. Another suggestion is to improve training in mental health literacy prior to or during pregnancy.

Bracketing as a skill in conducting unstructured qualitative interviews.

AIM: To provide an overview of bracketing as a skill in unstructured qualitative research interviews. BACKGROUND: Researchers affect the qualitative research process. Bracketing in descriptive phenomenology entails researchers setting aside their pre-understanding and acting non-judgementally. In interpretative phenomenology, previous knowledge is used intentionally to create new understanding. DATA SOURCES: A literature search of bracketing in phenomenology and qualitative research. REVIEW METHODS: This is a methodology paper examining the researchers' impact in creating data in creating data in qualitative research. DISCUSSION: Self-knowledge, sensitivity and reflexivity of the researcher enable bracketing. CONCLUSION: Skilled and experienced researchers are needed to use bracketing in unstructured qualitative research interviews. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH/PRACTICE: Bracketing adds scientific rigour and validity to any qualitative study.