Short-Term Mindfulness Intervention for Anxiety and Maternal Attachment in NICU Mothers

Effect of a Short-Term Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program on Anxiety and Maternal Attachment in Mothers With Infants Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of a short-term mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) program on anxiety levels and maternal attachment in mothers whose infants are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). A total of 33 mothers will be recruited and assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group will receive a structured four-session mindfulness program, while the control group will receive standard care. Data will be collected using the Maternal Attachment Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The findings are expected to provide evidence on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing anxiety and improving maternal-infant bonding during the postpartum period.

The postpartum period is a critical time characterized by significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes for mothers. The hospitalization of a newborn in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) represents a highly stressful experience, often leading to increased anxiety, emotional distress, and challenges in the development of maternal-infant attachment. Mothers may experience fear, uncertainty about their infant's health, feelings of guilt, and difficulties in adapting to their maternal role under these conditions.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs have been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and psychological distress across various populations. However, there is limited evidence specifically focusing on mothers with infants in the NICU. This study aims to address this gap by evaluating the effectiveness of a short-term, structured mindfulness-based intervention tailored for this vulnerable group.

This study is designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial conducted at Zeynep Kamil Women's and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital between September 1, 2025, and December 1, 2025. The study population will consist of mothers aged 18-50 years whose newborns are admitted to the NICU. A total of 33 participants will be recruited using a convenience sampling method and randomly assigned to intervention and control groups.

The intervention group will participate in a four-session mindfulness-based stress reduction program delivered in small groups. The sessions will include mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, body awareness practices, and supportive discussions aimed at enhancing emotional regulation and coping skills. The control group will receive routine care without any additional intervention.

Data will be collected using validated measurement tools, including the Maternal Attachment Scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, administered at baseline and after the intervention.

Statistical analysis will be performed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics will be used to summarize participant characteristics. The normality of data distribution will be assessed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Depending on data distribution, appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests (such as Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Chi-square test) will be used to compare outcomes between groups.

Ethical approval will be obtained from the relevant ethics committee, and institutional permissions will be secured prior to data collection. Written and verbal informed consent will be obtained from all participants. Confidentiality and voluntary participation will be ensured throughout the study.

The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of evidence-based, mindfulness-oriented nursing interventions aimed at reducing anxiety and strengthening maternal-infant attachment among mothers with infants in the NICU.

Inclusion Criteria:

Mothers aged 18 to 50 years Mothers whose newborns are admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Mothers of infants without congenital anomalies Mothers who have not previously participated in any mindfulness-based or psychological support program Mothers without cognitive impairment Mothers who are willing to participate voluntarily and comply with all study procedures Mothers who are able to communicate in Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

Mothers who wish to withdraw from the study voluntarily Mothers whose infants are discharged from the NICU during the intervention period Mothers receiving MBSR or any other psychological therapy Mothers using psychopharmacological medication