The effectiveness of relaxation techniques on depression, anxiety and stress in pregnant women: based on self-efficacy theory

Psychosocial variables in pregnant women, including prenatal stress, anxiety and depression are associated with maternal, infant and child health. Relaxation technique is an intervention that increases comfort and might be effective in reducing psychological tension in pregnant women.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of relaxation techniques training, based on self-efficacy theory, on depression, anxiety and stress in pregnant women
Material and In this interventional study, 78 pregnant women were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The intervention group learned relaxation techniques in four sessions, after doing exercises at home for 4 weeks. However, the control group performed no interventions. The data were collected using demographic information, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS 21) and self-efficacy scale at the baseline and one month after the intervention. Using SPSS version 19 data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics.
The results of this study showed significant decrease in depression (p The results of this study supported the claim that training relaxation techniques could reduce stress, anxiety and depression in pregnant women through its effect on coping mechanism, leading to promotion of well-being. We recommend inclusion of perinatal meditation into perinatal care and counseling programs.