Comparison of the effects of haptonomy application and mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological well-being, perceived stress, and fear of childbirth in primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of haptonomy and a mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) on psychological well-being, perceived stress, and fear of childbirth among primiparous pregnant women. Materials and methods: This prospective, assessor-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024. A total of 120 primiparous pregnant women were randomly assigned to the haptonomy group (n = 40), MBSR group (n = 40), or control group (n = 40). At baseline, participants completed the Personal Information Form, Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A). PWBS, PSS, and W-DEQ-A were reassessed at weeks 4 and 8. The interventions were conducted individually through face-to-face sessions, supported by home-based video/audio materials. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, repeated-measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc analyses. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between groups at baseline (p >.05). However, significant differences emerged at weeks 4 and 8 for all primary outcomes (p <.001). Compared with the control group, participants in both intervention groups demonstrated significantly higher psychological well-being scores and significantly lower perceived stress and fear of childbirth scores. At week 8, the haptonomy group demonstrated greater improvement than the MBSR group across all outcome measures. Conclusion: Both haptonomy and MBSR were effective in improving psychological well-being and reducing perceived stress and fear of childbirth among primiparous pregnant women. Haptonomy demonstrated greater effectiveness than MBSR across all primary outcomes. Trial registration: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06699550; registered on November 19, 2024; retrospectively registered). The study protocol was finalized before participant recruitment; trial registration was completed subsequently due to administrative delays.