Comparison of the Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Psychological Well-being and Death Anxiety in Pregnant Women

Objective: Pregnancy is a unique period in the life of every woman. Although pregnancy and childbirth can be a pleasant and enjoyable experience, they are also considered stressful experiences. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on psychological well-being and death anxiety in pregnant women in Ilam City.

Materials and Methods: The present study is experimental and utilizes a pre-test-post-test design with a control group. The statistical population of this study included all pregnant women in Ilam City in 2020. Using convenience sampling, a total of 45 individuals were selected as sample members and were randomly assigned to three groups: MBSR, ACT, and control. Data collection tools included the Psychological Well-being Scale (Ryff) and the Death Anxiety Scale (Templer). Data were analyzed using SPSS-21 software, multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA), and the Bonferroni test.

Findings: The results of the multivariate covariance analysis showed a statistically significant difference in psychological well-being and death anxiety among the experimental groups (MBSR and ACT) and the control group (F = 132/141, P < 0.001). Additionally, the results of the Bonferroni test indicated that MBSR significantly reduced death anxiety in pregnant women more than ACT (P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in psychological well-being between the MBSR and ACT groups (P > 0.474).

Conclusion: Both MBSR and ACT can be beneficial and effective for improving the psychological status of pregnant women.