Exploring perinatal mental well-being: a concept analysis from conception to one year postpartum

Abstract

Background: Perinatal Mental Well-Being (PMWB) is critical for the health of both mothers and children. Despite its importance, a clear, objective, and measurable definition remains lacking. This study aimed to explore and define PMWB from conception to one year postpartum. Methods: A concept analysis was conducted using Walker and Avant's framework. A comprehensive literature search was performed across various sources, including dictionaries, thesauri, encyclopaedias, and textbooks related to General Mental Well-Being, midwifery, psychology, and mental health journals, alongside international databases. The search was performed without date restrictions and included publications up to November 2024. The primary criterion for inclusion was relevance to the definition of PMWB. Data were analysed using the constant comparison method and managed with MAXQDA Analytics Pro (24.4.1). Identified meaning units were coded into codes and subcodes based on the attributes of PMWB. The review included twenty articles, yielding 241 extracted codes, which were subsequently categorized into key attributes and subdimensions of PMWB. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools or alternative criteria, depending on study type. The analysis showed that PMWB has three key aspects: Emotional (Hedonic), Psychological (Eudaimonic), and Social Well-Being, each with unique characteristics. PMWB is also intricately connected to other dimensions of the General concept of Perinatal Well-Being, including Physical, Spiritual, Economic, and Ecological factors. These connections highlight the complexity and dynamic nature of PMWB. Conclusion: PMWB is a multidimensional concept that integrates emotional, psychological, and social domains and extends to other dimensions such as Physical, Spiritual, and Economic Well-Being. This holistic perspective captures the diverse scope of maternal mental health in the perinatal period. Given the evolving nature of PMWB, detailed and adaptable assessment tools are crucial for reflecting women's experiences and guiding timely interventions to improve long-term outcomes for mothers and their children.