NCT07607613 · Northwestern University
Parents and Babies Pilot
(PAB)
What this study is about
The goal of this study will be piloting the Parents and Babies perinatal depression prevention intervention to examine its feasibility and acceptability and to obtain preliminary data on its effectiveness. This includes exploring/understanding users' experiences navigating the interventions (e.g.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study will be piloting the Parents and Babies perinatal depression prevention intervention to examine its feasibility and acceptability and to obtain preliminary data on its efficacy. This includes exploring/understanding users' experiences navigating the interventions (e.g., from an implementation perspective) and preliminary evaluations of clinical outcomes, including mental health and minority stress. With data gathered from this pilot study, we will make final adaptations to the Parents and Babies manuals and plan to develop a randomized-control trial to evaluate efficacy of the intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Parents and Babies Virtual Group Intervention
Parents and Babies is a 10-session intervention adapted from Mothers and Babies, a nationally recognized intervention for depression during pregnancy and postpartum built on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and psychoeducation. Sessions are delivered virtually and led by a clinical psychologist.
BEHAVIORAL
Parents and Babies Hybrid Group Intervention
Parents and Babies is a 10-session intervention adapted from Mothers and Babies, a nationally recognized intervention for depression during pregnancy and postpartum built on principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and psychoeducation. Sessions are delivered virtually and led by a clinical psychologist, with an option for in-person participation at three sessions.
Primary outcome measures
Patient Health Questionnaire - 9 (PHQ-9)
Time frame: T1 (prior to starting intervention), T2 (immediately post-intervention), T3 (3 months post-intervention)
The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 is the 9 item depression module of the Patient Health Questionnaire. It scores each of the 9 DSM-IV criteria as "0" (not at all) to "3" (nearly every day). Higher scores indicate an increased severity of depression symptoms.
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)
Time frame: T1 (prior to starting intervention), T2 (immediately post-intervention), T3 (3 months post-intervention)
The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10; Cohen, Kamarch, \& Mermelstein,1983) is a 10 item measure of the degree to which situations in one's life are appraised as stressful with responses rated on a 5-point Likert scale (0 =never to 4 =very often). Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
Time frame: T1 (prior to starting intervention), T2 (immediately post-intervention), T3 (3 months post-intervention)
The Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (Spitzer et.al, 2006) is a 7 item self-report measure used to assess anxiety. Participants are queried regarding symptoms during the past two weeks and responses are tallied on a four-point Likert scale. (0 = not at all to 3=nearly every day.) Higher scores indicate an increased severity of anxiety symptoms.
Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)
Time frame: T1 (prior to starting intervention), T2 (immediately post-intervention), T3 (3 months post-intervention)
The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al. 1988) is a 12-item measure of perceived adequacy of social support from three sources: family, friends, \& significant other; using a 5-point Likert scale (0 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree). Higher scores in each subscale indicate greater perceived support from that source.
The Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)
Time frame: T2 (immediately post-intervention)
The Acceptability of Intervention Measure (Weiner et al., 2017) is a four-item measure of implementation outcomes to determine the extent to which one believes an intervention is appealing and satisfactory on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = completely disagree to 5 = completely agree). Higher scores indicate greater perceived acceptability of the intervention.
Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)
Time frame: T2 (immediately post-intervention)
Intervention Appropriateness Measure (Weiner et al., 2017) is a four-item measure evaluating the extent to which one believes an intervention is suitable, relevant, compatible, and applicable to one's needs on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = completely disagree to 5 = completely agree). Higher scores indicate greater perceived appropriateness of the intervention.
Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)
Time frame: T2 (immediately post-intervention)
Feasibility of Intervention Measure (Weiner et al., 2017) is a four-item survey measuring the perceived feasibility of an intervention on a 5-point Likert scale (1 = completely disagree to 5 = completely agree). Higher scores indicate greater perceived feasibility of the intervention.
Implementation of Parents and Babies skills
Time frame: T2 (immediately post-intervention), T3 (3-months post-intervention)
Parents and Babies Skill Utilization Survey - 8 item questionnaire to determine the extent to which one agrees that the PAB course taught skills related to the core modules, was useful, and was easy to understand; using a 5-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- self-identify as LGBTQ+
- 18 years old or older
- live in the USA or territories
- speak and understand English
- Currently pregnant or within one year of childbirth
- Endorse current mild depressive symptoms or risk factors for postpartum depression
Exclusion criteria
- Are unable to consent/have impaired decision making capacity
- Have current active suicidal or homicidal ideation, active psychosis, or current mania
- Are currently experiencing a severe depressive episode
- Do not have audio and/or video capacity for attending group sessions remotely.
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
Collaborators
National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations