Effects of mindfulness on maternal stress, depressive symptoms and awareness of present moment experience: A pilot randomised trial.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of a mindfulness intervention compared to a pregnancy support program on stress, depressive symptoms, and present-moment awareness in pregnant women.
Results Summary
Both groups showed improvements in stress management, with the mindfulness group demonstrating greater gains in present-moment awareness. The mindfulness group reported internalized self-acceptance, while the control group relied more on external sources for confidence.
Population
Forty-eight pregnant women attending a maternity service.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
mindfulness-based program | increase | awareness of present moment experience | women attending a maternity service | greater improvement | improvement | #1 |
mindfulness-based program | decrease | stressors, fear, anxiety | women attending a maternity service | - | learning how to manage | #2 |
mindfulness-based program | increase | attention to be more present | women attending a maternity service | - | learning how to regulate | #3 |
pregnancy support program | decrease | stress | women attending a maternity service | - | learning how to calm down | #4 |
pregnancy support program | increase | confidence | women attending a maternity service | - | increased | #5 |
mindfulness-based program | decrease | women's self-reported stress | women attending a maternity service | - | decreased | #6 |
pregnancy support program | decrease | women's self-reported stress | women attending a maternity service | - | decreased | #7 |
OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility and acceptability and measure the effects of a mindfulness intervention compared to a pregnancy support program on stress, depressive symptoms and awareness of present moment experience. DESIGN: A pilot randomised trial using mixed methods. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Forty-eight women attending a maternity service were randomly allocated to a mindfulness-based or pregnancy support program. MEASURES: Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale, and Birth Outcomes. Women's perceptions of the impact of the programs were examined via summative evaluation, interviews, diaries and facilitator field notes. FINDINGS: Nine women in the mindfulness program and 11 in the pregnancy support program completed post-program measures. There were no statistically significant differences between groups. Of practical significance, was an improvement in measures for both groups with a greater improvement in awareness of present moment experience for the intervention group. The intervention group reported learning how to manage stressors, fear, anxiety, and to regulate their attention to be more present. The control group reported learning how to calm down when stressed which increased their confidence. Intervention group themes were: releasing stress, becoming aware, accepting, having options and choices, connecting and being compassionate. Control group themes were:managing stress, increasing confidence, connecting, focussing, being accepted, preparing. KEY CONCLUSION: The feasibility and acceptability of the intervention was confirmed. Programs decreased women's self-reported stress in different ways. Women in the mindfulness program accepted themselves and their experiences as they arose and passed in the present moment, while those in the control group gained acceptance primarily from external sources such as peers. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Mindfulness programs can foster an internalised locus of self-acceptance which may result in woman becoming less dependent on others for their wellbeing. Adequately powered RCTs, with an active control, long-term follow up and economic evaluation are recommended.