Effectiveness of a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on Stress, Anxiety, and Prenatal Attachment for High-Risk Pregnant Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective The present study was conducted to examine the effects of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program on stress, anxiety, and prenatal attachment of the high-risk pregnant women.Method This randomized controlled study was conducted with 94 high-risk pregnant women (48 participants in the experimental group, 46 participants in the control group). In the study, the experimental group underwent an eight-session MBSR program, consisting of two sessions per week for a total duration of 1 month. Data of the study were collected with the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire-Revised (NuPDQ), Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised 2 (PRAQR2), and Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI).Results After the intervention, the PRAQR2 total mean score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, the PAI total mean score in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the NuPDQ total mean score (p > 0.05).Conclusions It was determined that the MBSR program applied to high-risk pregnant women decreased anxiety levels, increased prenatal attachment levels, and did not affect stress levels of the pregnant women. Health professionals may consider the MBSR program for high-risk pregnant women as a means by which to improve their pregnancy outcomes.