Improving Assessment and Management of Psychological Health in the Perinatal Period to Improve Outcomes for Children, their Parents and Families

The field of perinatal psychological health is increasingly recognized as crucial for ensuring positive outcomes for children, their parents, and families. Research highlights significant challenges in effectively assessing and managing psychological health during the perinatal period, comprising pregnancy and the early postnatal stage. The need for a thorough understanding of psychological well-being during this critical time is evident, as untreated psychological issues can have lasting impacts on parents and, consequently, on their children and family dynamics. Recent evidence points to the importance of addressing psychological health concerns proactively, but substantial gaps remain in the comprehensive assessment and management of these issues.

This Research Topic aims to explore and enhance strategies for assessing and managing psychological health in the perinatal period, with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for children, their parents, and families. Key objectives include identifying effective assessment tools and interventions that can be utilized across different family members, including mothers, fathers, newborns, and infants. Furthermore, exploring the impact of psychological health interventions on family dynamics and child development remains a significant focus, necessitating further investigation and validation of innovative approaches.

To gather further insights in refining psychological health practices during the perinatal period, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Development and validation of assessment tools for perinatal psychological health

• Interventions for improving mental health outcomes for mothers, fathers, and infants

• Role of healthcare providers in supporting perinatal psychological well-being

• Impact of parental mental health on infant development and family dynamics

• Strategies for involving the wider family group in psychological health initiatives