1- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Branch of Science and Research, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology and Education Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Khatam University, Tehran, Iran. , a.khodabakhshid@khatam.ac.ir
3- Department of Assessment and Measurement, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Aallameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (2522 Views)
Background: Although pregnancy and motherhood are enjoyable experiences, they are associated with numerous biopsychological changes requiring adaptation. The present study aimed to assess the effects of relaxing music on life distress and Maternal-Fetal Attachment (MFA) in pregnant women.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a pre-test, post-test and a control group design. The research population included all Iranian pregnant women referring to Laleh Hospital in Tehran City, Iran, in 2020. In total, 30 women were selected using the convenience sampling method and randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups (n=15/group). The required data were collected using the Life Distress Inventory (LDI) and the Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale (MFAS). The intervention group listened to relaxing music for twelve 45-50-minute sessions in the morning and during routine midwifery visits; however, the controls received no intervention. The collected data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) in SPSS V. 22.
Results: The obtained results indicated that the intervention group reported a lower level of life distress in the post-test, compared to the controls (P=0.0001, F=15.860). The intervention group also achieved a higher mean score on MFA, than the control group (P=0.0001, F=35.872).
Conclusion: According to the present research findings, reproductive health and nursing professionals, and psychologists would recommend music as a complementary therapy to reduce stress and distress experienced by expecting mothers and to improve MFA.
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● Pregnancy is a period of joy that coincides with sorrow. Pregnant women experience different feelings and emotions.
● The stresses experienced by pregnant mothers can lead to psychological distress and physical problems.
● Art, music, leisure, and peace of mind can help reduce stress in pregnant women. It also provides an opportunity for the mother to further reflect on her relationship with the fetus.
● The present research results suggested that soothing non-vocal music can help reduce distress in pregnant women and increase their attachment to their fetus.
Plain Language Summary
Music therapy is an art and psychological intervention, i.e. used to treat many physical and mental illnesses. Music can help reduce anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and heartbeat, as well as better sleep in pregnant women. Also, music can create moments of joy and positive emotions in these women. The results of this study indicated that after 12 sessions of music therapy, the life distress of pregnant women declined, while their maternal-fetal attachment increased.
Type of Study:
Research |
Subject:
Special Received: 2020/11/30 | Accepted: 2020/12/14 | Published: 2021/02/1