Ethics
This study deals with a very private and thus ethical issue. The researchers took great care to ensure that high standards of moral and ethical virtue were maintained for purposes of this project. The authors point out that they acquired approval prior to initiating the study. In addition, intensive training was required prior to commencement of the study.
The author would have done well to detail in greater detail the exact methods that were adopted to ensure the privacy and anonymity of each of the mothers participating in the study.
Presentation of Data/Conclusions
The presentation of the final data and conclusions could be improved upon. The author would have benefited by comparing each of the result segments with the hypothesis presented in the introduction of the article. For the most part the results were presented briefly. The author did incorporate however use of graphics to illustrate the results of the study, which enhances the readers overall understanding of study components.
The conclusion is also lacking. The discussion of the study carefully ties in the information gathered from the field with information assumed via the hypothesis. The conclusion is briefly stated, and affirms the author's original hypothesis. However, the authors would have benefited by expanding on the conclusion and linking the conclusion to the data gathered...
It utilizes scientific theory to make assumptions about the methods that could be adopted to improve treatment for postpartum depression. The author presents an experimental design that leads to a potential new screening mechanism for postpartum depression in at risk mothers.
The aim of the study was to promote more competent parenting among at risk mothers. The authors succeeded in their original intent, providing a plethora of information related to postpartum depression. This article could be expanded upon, and as the authors suggest, future research directions in the filed of nursing theory could be adopted and enacted based on the information provided in this article. Further studies should in fact e conduced.
Such studies could contribute to the body of literature available, which currently dictates how nurses interact with and deal with depression during the postpartum period and high-risk mothers at risk for postpartum depression. Treatment may begin with preventive measures based on the information reaped from this article.
Reference:
Horowits, J.H., & Bell, M. et. al. (2001)."Promoting responsiveness between mothers with depressive symptoms and their infants." Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 33 (4), 323-329
