The effect of three- and six-session prenatal haptonomy on pregnancy-related anxiety, distress, and psychological well-being: A randomized controlled trial.
Hilal Ozbek, Sukran E Pinar
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial assigned 102 pregnant women to three-session prenatal haptonomy, six-session haptonomy, or routine antenatal care. Anxiety, pregnancy distress, and psychological well-being were assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and at follow-up. The six-session group showed a significant within-group reduction in pregnancy-related anxiety; the three-session group showed significant reductions in distress and improved well-being. Between-group differences in all three outcomes were reported at post-intervention and follow-up, with significant overall group effects. The abstract does not provide effect sizes or the magnitude of score changes.
Key findings
- The six-session group had a significant within-group reduction in pregnancy-related anxiety.
- The three-session group showed significant reductions in pregnancy distress and improvements in psychological well-being.
- Anxiety, distress, and well-being scores differed significantly between haptonomy groups and routine-care controls after intervention and at follow-up.
Why it matters
Pregnancy-related anxiety and distress, as well as psychological well-being, are relevant dimensions of maternal health. This trial suggests prenatal haptonomy may affect these outcomes, while the reported pattern differs by session duration and assessment point. The findings add evidence about a non-pharmacological antenatal intervention, although the abstract does not quantify the size of the observed differences.
What to keep in mind
The abstract reports statistical significance but not effect sizes or the magnitude of score changes, limiting assessment of clinical importance.