The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training Given to Young Girls Experiencing Fear of Childbirth on Fear of Childbirth, Coping Strategies with Stress, and State Anxiety Levels
Hacer Unver Koca, Fadi̇me Bi̇çer Şahi̇n, Zeynep Unver, Lale Unver Aydin, Funda Kavak Budak
Research Square July 8, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-9311477/v1 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 116 |
| Population | Young girls/students experiencing fear of childbirth |
| Intervention | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) training |
| Duration | 6 sessions |
| Measures | State Anxiety Inventory, Fear of Childbirth Scale, Coping Styles with Stress Scale |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Key findings | MBSR training reduced fear of childbirth and state anxiety and increased problem-focused and emotion-focused coping compared with no intervention, with statistically significant group differences (p < 0.005). |
Abstract
Abstract Purpose This study was conducted to determine the effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) training given to young girls experiencing fear of childbirth on their fear of childbirth, coping strategies with stress, and state anxiety levels.
Methods: The research was completed with 116 students (58 experimental, 58 control group) who experienced fear of childbirth. Data were collected using the Participant Information Form, the State Anxiety Inventory, the Fear of Childbirth Scale, and the Coping Styles with Stress Scale. The girls in the experimental group received a 6-session Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Training, while no intervention was applied to the girls in the control group.
Results: Following the mindfulness-based stress reduction training, it was determined that the fear of childbirth levels in the experimental group (32.62 ± 8.26) decreased compared to the control group (40.01 ± 8.89). Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping levels (49.67 ± 4.60) were higher than those of the control group (46.17 ± 5.57), and state anxiety levels (27.34 ± 6.95) were lower compared to the control group (36.44 ± 10.77). A statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p < 0.005).
Conclusion: It was concluded that mindfulness-based stress reduction training in young girls reduces the fear of childbirth, increases problem-focused and emotion-focused coping levels, and decreases state anxiety levels.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on anxiety, most cited first.