Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

Psychology

Major Professor

Kristina Coop Gordon

Committee Members

Kristina Coop Gordon, Jennifer Bolden-Bush, Patrick Grzanka

Abstract

Half of all women experience health-related issues during the fourth-trimester, which is typically characterized by physical, psychological, biological, and social changes (Verbiest et al., 2018). Additionally, with a growing body of research on the fourth-trimester, there is evidence indicating an increase in maternal mortality rates in the United States since the pandemic (Brik et al., 2022). This concern highlights the need for improved resources and interventions to support mothers during this transitional period better. The current study explores mothers’ experiences during the fourth-trimester to gain insights regarding available resources, specific needs during the period, and the importance of navigating the fourth-trimester from a holistic perspective. Furthermore, the current study seeks perspectives from providers who offer services and care to mothers during the fourth-trimester. This approach allows for an investigation of the similarities and differences regarding available and needed resources for mothers during the period. The secondary analysis involved a sample of 17 mothers and eight providers, all of whom participated in individual or focus group interviews for program evaluation for a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center (FQHC). Participants were recruited using snowball sampling from the community. Given the nature of this secondary analysis, thematic analysis was employed to interpret the data. Results from the current study showcased the mothers’ adaptive experiences during the fourth-trimester, particularly concerning physical adaption, emotional responses, relational adjustments, and the paradigm shifts that can occur. Additionally, another theme that emerged pertained to the impacts on mothers’ mental health during the fourth-trimester. The interviews also revealed gaps in resources related to mothers’ fourth-trimester support. Lastly, the results discussed the differences and similarities in interview responses from mothers and providers about fourth-trimester support. Overall, our findings indicate that continued research on mothers’ support systems and relationships during the fourth-trimester is essential. Recommendations for continuously addressing gaps in fourth-trimester support are discussed.

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