ISSEP-2026-01

GRANT ID#: ISSEP-2026-01

GRANT TITLE: From birth to being: A longitudinal study of existential concerns and their impact on postpartum mental health.

GRANTEE: The University of Sydney

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR: Rachel Menzies.

GRANT AMOUNT: USD $3,464

DURATION OF GRANT PROJECT: April 15, 2026 – March 15, 2027.

Description of the Project

Executive summary:

The transition to motherhood (matrescence) represents one of the most profound life changes, carrying opportunities for psychological growth alongside heightened vulnerability to mental health difficulties. Postpartum depression and anxiety remain prevalent, yet the mechanisms linking childbirth to these outcomes are insufficiently understood. Guided by Ernest Becker’s work and contemporary findings in existential psychology, this longitudinal study tests whether first-time mothers experience increased concerns about life’s ultimate challenges (death, isolation, meaning, identity, and freedom) after birth, and whether these concerns prospectively predict postpartum depression and anxiety, controlling for prenatal mental health and relevant covariates. A total of 265 women will be recruited in their third trimester of pregnancy, and assessed at three time points: T1 (late pregnancy), T2 (6 weeks postpartum), and T3 (12 weeks postpartum). Participants will complete a number of measures at each timepoint, with the Existential Concerns Questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale serving as the primary measures. The analyses and findings will provide the first empirical test of Becker-inspired mechanisms underlying mental health problems in the perinatal context. Importantly, the findings may help to identify novel, transdiagnostic targets to inform screening and early intervention in perinatal care.

Itemized budget:

The total sample size will include 265 participants, based on power analyses and an anticipated retention rate of 60%. Participants will be compensated for completing the follow-up assessments at T2 and T3, with payments structured to maximize retention while staying within the funding cap. Participants will receive $20 AUD in total, paid in two installments: 265 participants × $20 AUD = $5,300 AUD total compensation. This equates to approximately $3,464 USD.

The total amount approved for this project is USD $3,464.