Benson's Relaxation Therapy: Its effect on Stress and Coping among Mothers with High Risk Pregnancy

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of Benson's relaxation therapy on stress and coping among mothers with high risk pregnancy.

Methods: Design: A quasi experimental Pre-Post-test design. Sample type: Purposive sampling was applied. Setting: The study was carried out at High Risk Pregnancy Unit in Mansoura University Hospital on 50 mothers with high risk pregnancy between 24 to 36 weeks of gestation in a period from October, 2016 to March, 2017. Tools: A Structured Interviewing Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Patterns Scale.

Results: The average score of stress scale was significantly decreased post-intervention (13.84 ± 2.53) compared to (24.62± 2.84) pre-intervention and the average scores of all domains of coping were significantly improved post- intervention (P = 0.001). There was a significant difference between the average score of stress scale with education of the mothers pre-intervention (P = 0.001) and it was eliminated post- intervention. Also, there was a significant difference between the average score of coping with stress and gravidity of the mothers pre-intervention (p = 0.05) and it was eliminated post-intervention. There was a significant negative moderate correlation between total stress score and total coping score pre and post-intervention (r = -0.511, r = -0.651, p = 0.001, respectively) that it means when the stress decreases, the coping is better.

Conclusion: It has been proved that the Benson’s relaxation therapy serves as a resource for improving maternal psychological health by reducing stress and enhancing coping among high risk pregnant mothers.

Recommendation: The maternity nursing services are recommended to use the Benson relaxation therapy as one of the standard non-pharmacological managements in a high risk unit.