Postpartum mental health is a crucial area of study with significant personal and public health implications. Alexa Bonacquisti, PhD, PMH-C, an assistant professor in the PsyD in Clinical Psychology program at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), is researching ways to use psychological interventions to support quality of life and functioning during the postpartum period.
“Supporting parents throughout the postpartum period and beyond confers long-lasting positive effects on quality of life, functioning, and child development, which serves to benefit not only the individuals but also their families and communities,” Bonacquisti said.
Dr. Bonacquisti's research aims to better understand the psychological processes and interventions that can be delivered during the postpartum period to improve mothers' quality of life and functioning. Her work focuses on:
Her findings, presented at the 2024 National Perinatal Association Conference in Anaheim, California, highlight the importance of targeting psychological flexibility to improve sleep, reduce distress, and enhance the well-being of postpartum women.
For Dr. Bonacquisti, learning more effective and innovative ways to use psychological interventions is important in order to support quality of life and functioning during the postpartum period.
“Supporting parents throughout the postpartum period and beyond confers long-lasting positive effects on quality of life, functioning, and child development, which serves to benefit not only the individuals but also their families and communities,” she explained.
Dr. Bonacquisti’s research is driven by her dedication to both individual patient care and societal impact. By advancing scientific understanding in postpartum mental health, she aims to improve therapeutic interventions that support mothers and families.
“The advancement of research and scientific understanding in this area serves to make that larger contribution and helps to provide support for improving treatment outcomes,” she explained.
Her most surprising research insight? The profound role that modifiable factors, such as psychological flexibility, play in enhancing postpartum outcomes. These findings provide actionable ways to help patients navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors more effectively.
Dr. Bonacquisti brings her research expertise into the classroom through her reproductive health psychology elective. In this course, students in PCOM’s APA-accredited Clinical PsyD program gain firsthand knowledge of evidence-based interventions and their application in real-world scenarios.
Bonacquisti hopes to inspire students to remain open, be curious, and never stop asking questions.
“Remember that science is an ongoing pursuit and it requires critical thinking, curiosity, and determination, as well as a strong desire to contribute and help others,” she said.
Dr. Bonacquisti's work is one example of the meaningful research opportunities available at PCOM. Researchers at PCOM experience:
“I have had a great experience conducting research at PCOM,” Bonacquisti said. “It's been wonderfully collaborative, engaging, and supportive!”
Dr. Bonacquisti’s research and teaching illustrate the Clinical PsyD program’s commitment to evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. Students benefit from:
By choosing PCOM, you’ll join a program designed to develop culturally competent clinical psychologists who make meaningful contributions to their communities.
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