Effectiveness of Reality Therapy on Postpartum Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Women with Normal Childbirth

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of reality therapy on postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms in women with Natural childbirth.

The present study was a quasi-experimental study using pre-test and post-test design with experimental and control groups. The statistical population of this study was women of Health Center No. 2 in Mashhad who experienced natural childbirth and subsequently had symptoms of post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression. Among these people, 30 people were selected by purposive sampling and assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group underwent reality therapy intervention for 8 sessions. After the intervention, both groups completed the post-traumatic stress and postpartum depression questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24 and analysis of covariance.

Findings showed that reality therapy has a significant effect on reducing postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Considering the prevalence of postpartum depression and stress and the results of the present study on reducing depression and post-traumatic stress, it is suggested that reality therapy be used as an effective intervention in medical centers and health centers.