The effect of Teasdale`s cognitive therapy on anxiety reduction during pregnancy

Abstract

Background: Anxiety of pregnancy is a relatively new concept and also a pregnancy risk factor. Mother`s anxiety and severe stress during pregnancy have teratogenic effect. Nowadays, various techniques are performed to reduce and control anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth. One of these methods is cognitive method. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of the Teasdale cognitive model on anxiety reduction during labor.

Methods: This is a semi-experimental study using pretest-posttest and control group. Convenience sampling was used. A total of 80 pregnant women were interviewed. They completed Spielberger questionnaire, among them 24 people with intermediate and high state and trait anxiety scores were selected. Finally 12 people who were willing to participate in the workshop were trained to control anxiety and fear of childbirth using Teasdale cognitive method. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 16. Descriptive - inferential statistics and univariate analysis of variance (ANCOVA) were used.

Results: In the experimental group, mean state and trait anxiety at pre-test compared to post-test was decreased. Teasdale's cognitive therapy effect on state anxiety (F=11.212, sig=0.003), and trait anxiety (F=9.419, sig=0.006) was statistically significant.

Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, both state and trait anxiety was significantly decreased in the experimental group; consequently, Teasdale's cognitive therapy was effective in reducing anxiety during labor.