The effect of Snyder's hope theory-based psychological intervention on post-traumatic growth in chinese women experiencing perinatal loss: a randomised controlled trial.
Lianci He, Jianhua Liu, Rong Sun et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-blind randomised controlled trial evaluated a Snyder’s hope theory-based psychological intervention in 140 Chinese women aged 20 years or older after perinatal loss. Participants received either four weekly hope-based sessions plus routine care or routine care alone. Compared with controls, the intervention group had greater post-traumatic growth (PTG) after treatment (69.4 ± 10.2 vs 58.3 ± 11.9) and at 1-month follow-up (71.9 ± 9.6 vs 59.5 ± 11.0; both p < 0.001). Grief, hope and trauma-related symptoms also improved significantly in the intervention group.
Key findings
- PTG scores were higher after intervention than control at post-treatment: 69.4 ± 10.2 vs 58.3 ± 11.9 (p < 0.001).
- At 1-month follow-up, PTG scores remained higher with intervention: 71.9 ± 9.6 vs 59.5 ± 11.0 (p < 0.001).
- The intervention was associated with reduced grief and trauma-related symptoms and increased hope; all reported comparisons had p < 0.001.
- Post-intervention hope predicted PTG in regression analysis (β = 0.44, p < 0.001).
Why it matters
Perinatal loss can be accompanied by grief and trauma-related symptoms. This trial suggests that a structured, hope-focused psychological intervention may support PTG while also improving several related psychological outcomes. The findings add randomised evidence for a brief intervention in this population, although they do not establish how well the approach works beyond the study’s follow-up period or in other settings.
What to keep in mind
Follow-up was limited to 1 month, so longer-term effects are not established.