The effect of group training of solution-focused stress management on pregnant women's stress

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Midwifery, Bojnourd Branch, Islamic Azad University, Bojnourd, Iran

2 Center for Health Related Social and Behavioral Sciences Research, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

3 Assistant professor, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Imam Hossien Hospital, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

4 Faculty member, Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran

Abstract

Introduction:Pregnancy is viewed as a stressful experience. Anxiety and excitement at the beginning of pregnancy will have a direct impact on pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed at investigating the effect of group training of stress management with a solution-focused approach on pregnancy stress.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial conducted on sixty highly stressed pregnant women with the gestational age of 17-20 weeks who referred to healthcare centers in Bojnourd in 2015. Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) was used to screen highly stressed mothers and those who scored above 21.8 were selected for the study and were randomly assigned into two intervention and control groups. The intervention group received group training of stress management for 4 weekly 90-minute sessions. The control group received routine healthcare. Data analyzed through t-test, paired t-test, chi-square and SPSS software.
Results: The mean score of perceived stress in the intervention group significantly decreased on the post test (P<0.002). Comparison of the mean scores of stress before and after the intervention in the two groups showed that the mean of stress score variations in the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group.
Conclusion:Considering the effectiveness of solution-focused stress management training in reducing the stress of pregnant women, it is suggested that educational workshops be held during pregnancy to help mothers manage their stress during pregnancy and to promote their mental health during pregnancy.

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