Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41442698›Full record

ArticleJMIR human factors2025

Experiences of Using Online Peer Forums Among People With Postpartum Psychosis: Interpretative Phenomenological Study.

Katherine Williams, Fiona Lobban, Elizabeth Chamberlain

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in JMIR human factors, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

3 authors.

Katherine WilliamsDepartment of Health Research, Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.ORCID 0009-0000-1352-5517
Fiona LobbanDivision of Health Research, School of Health and Medicine, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.ORCID 0000-0001-6594-4350
Elizabeth ChamberlainPerinatal Mental Health Team Liverpool and Sefton, Perinatal Mental Health Service, Mersey Care NHS Trust, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom.ORCID 0009-0004-9969-3712

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundAlthough research has found online peer support forums to be helpful for those with mental health conditions, no studies have explored the experiences of those who use forums for support with postpartum psychosis (PP) specifically.

objectiveThis study aimed to understand the lived experiences of using online forums for PP, and how this form of support differs from professional and other informal support.

methodsThis study used a qualitative approach, including semistructured interviews with 8 participants. Recruitment took place via an online forum run by a charity called Action on Postpartum Psychosis. Transcripts were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

resultsFour themes were developed in line with participants' experiences (1) from isolation to connection: validation, growth, and hope from shared experiences; (2) complementing not replacing: filling the gaps in support; (3) impacts of privacy, representation, and readiness to share on engagement; and (4) relational experiences within peer support: altruism, boundaries, and comparison. All participants believed forums were helpful to their well-being and recovery; however, some also reported difficulties with engagement, comparison, and regulating their own use. Findings suggest that forums may benefit from being designed in a way that protects users and their identities, for example, via trigger warnings and setting boundaries.

conclusionsPeer online forums offer a unique and potentially effective addition to existing support provided by professionals and personal connections. Professionals should signpost people experiencing PP to forums, but should also understand the support that may be needed in terms of monitoring use and ensuring that appropriate boundaries are put into place.

Indexed as

Peer GroupPostpartum PeriodPsychotic DisordersSocial SupportAdultFemaleHumansQualitative Researchonline forumsonline peer support forumspeer supportpeer-to-peer supportpostnatal psychosispostpartum psychosispuerperal psychosis

Identifiers

PMID41442698
PMCPMC12780708

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.