Effectiveness of Digital-Based Psychological Support for Mothers with Postpartum Depression

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a common mental health disorder that often goes untreated, particularly due to limited access to conventional psychological services. Along with the development of technology, digital-based psychological support offers an alternative intervention that is more affordable and flexible. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital-based psychological support in reducing depression levels and improving the psychological well-being of postpartum mothers. The study used a quasi-experimental design with two groups (experimental and control), involving 60 purposively selected participants. The intervention was delivered for eight weeks through a digital platform that integrated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness modules. Depression levels were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), as well as additional indicators such as anxiety, stress, and the quality of the mother-child relationship. The results of paired t-test and independent t-test analyses showed a significant reduction in EPDS scores and improvement in psychological well-being indicators in the experimental group (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 2.37). ANCOVA analysis confirmed the effectiveness of the intervention after controlling for covariate variables. The qualitative component through semi-structured interviews revealed that ease of access, time flexibility, and emotional support were contributing factors to participants' engagement. These findings indicate that digital interventions can be an effective and applicable approach to managing postpartum depression, and should be integrated into the broader maternal health care system