Effect of Relaxation and Attachment Behaviors Training on Anxiety in First-time Mothers in Shiraz City, 2010: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Anxiety of mother, as the first personality influencing child’s mental health, is of great importance. Use of anxiety-reducing techniques for pregnant mothers plays an important role in decreasing maternal and child psychological problems. This study aimed to determine the effect of relaxation and attachment behaviors training on anxiety in first-time mothers. The present study was done as a clinical trial on 126 primigravida women (42 subjects as relaxation group, 42 subjects as attachment group and 42 subjects as control group) referred to Hafiz and Shushtari hospitals in Shiraz (2010). Data were collected using personal data form and Spielberger Anxiety Inventory questionnaire. In addition to routine pregnancy care, four 90 minute sessions of attachment behaviors and relaxation training courses were held during 4 weeks (once a week). The control group only received routine pregnancy care. Anxiety score before the intervention and at the end of the intervention were analyzed in all three groups. Data analysis was done using chi-square, Anova and paired t-test analysis, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. In this study, the mean anxiety scores were not significantly different in the three groups before the intervention, but there were significant differences among three groups after the intervention (p<0.004). There was a decrease in the mean anxiety score in the two experimental groups after the intervention, whereas there was an increase in the control group. The results of this study indicated that relaxation and attachment behaviors training could reduce anxiety in pregnant mothers.