Haptonomy and Mindfulness on Psychological Well-being Levels, Perceived Stress, Fear of Childbirth

The Effects of Haptonomy Application and Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Well-being Levels, Perceived Stress, and Fear of Childbirth in Primiparous Mothers: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: The aim of this project was to examine the effects of haptonomy application and the mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSRP) on the psychological well-being levels, perceived stress, and fear of childbirth in primiparous women.

Materials and Methods: This prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study was conducted between January 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024. A total of 120 primiparous women (40: control group, 40: haptonomy group, and 40: MBSRP group) who volunteered to participate in the study were randomly assigned to three groups: the intervention group (haptonomy and MBSRP) and the control group. The haptonomy and MBSRP groups received individual and face-to-face interventions for 8 weeks. At baseline, the 4th week, and the 8th week, the "Personal Data Collection Form," "Psychological Well-Being Scale," "Perceived Stress Scale," and "Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (W-DEQ/A) A version" were administered, based on a literature review.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women who are married and experiencing their first pregnancy.
• Aged 18 years or older.
• Able to read, write, and understand Turkish.
• Residing in the city center where the study is conducted.
• No physical or psychological health issues for themselves or their baby.
• Experiencing a spontaneous pregnancy between 22-28 weeks of gestation.
• Have not previously undergone BFTSAP (Body-Focused Therapy and Support for Anxiety during Pregnancy) and haptonomy applications.
• Pregnant women who agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with a known and diagnosed psychiatric disorder.
• Individuals who have previously undergone cognitive therapy.
• Experiencing severe levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.
• Having chronic diseases (such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart diseases) that existed before or have emerged during pregnancy.
• Individuals who have not attended the first two sessions of the MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program and haptonomy applications.
• Lacking a partner or relative who can provide support and assistance at home during the applications.
• Without access to technical technology support.
• Pregnant women who do not agree to participate in the study.