Effects of a Brief Inpatient Mindfulness‐Based Stress Reduction Program on Psychological Distress and Marital Satisfaction in High‐Risk Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Solmaz Heydarifard, Faezeh Safaralinezhad, Atefeh Safaralinezhad
Health science reports September 23, 2026 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.73154 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 57 |
| Population | Pregnant women at 24-28 weeks' gestation hospitalized for premature rupture of membranes |
| Duration | 8-week intervention; assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and 4-week postpartum follow-up |
| Measures | Mental Health Inventory (MHI-28) distress subscale, Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS) |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | High‐risk pregnancy Marital satisfaction Mindfulness‐based stress reduction Perinatal mental health Randomized controlled trial |
| Key findings | In hospitalized women with high-risk pregnancies, an 8-week brief inpatient MBSR program produced sustained improvements in mindfulness and marital satisfaction and significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with treatment-as-usual, with significant time-by-group interactions for all outcomes (all p < 0.001). The authors conclude that brief inpatient MBSR may reduce psychological distress and improve marital satisfaction in this population. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Objective Hospitalized women with high‐risk pregnancies are particularly vulnerable to psychological distress and relational strain. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief inpatient mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) program in improving psychological distress and marital satisfaction.
Methods: Fifty‐seven pregnant women (24–28 weeks' gestation) hospitalized for premature rupture of membranes were randomized to either an 8‐week brief MBSR program or treatment‐as‐usual. Fifty‐three participants completed the study. Outcomes included psychological distress assessed by the distress subscale of the Mental Health Inventory (MHI‐28), mindfulness measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and marital satisfaction assessed by the Kansas Marital Satisfaction Scale (KMSS), assessed at baseline, post‐intervention, and 4‐week postpartum follow‐up. Repeated‐measures ANOVA with Greenhouse–Geisser correction was performed.
Results: Significant time × group interactions were observed for mindfulness, anxiety, depression, and marital satisfaction (all p < 0.001). Participants in the intervention group showed sustained improvements in mindfulness and marital satisfaction and significant reductions in anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with controls.
Conclusion: A brief inpatient MBSR program may reduce psychological distress and improve marital satisfaction among hospitalized women with high‐risk pregnancies. Larger multicenter trials with extended follow‐up are warranted.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alterations in Brain and Immune Function Produced by Mindfulness Meditation Healthy employees in a work environment | 2003 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 41 |
| Prevention of relapse/recurrence in major depression by mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2000 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 145 |
| Open hearts build lives: Positive emotions, induced through loving-kindness meditation, build consequential personal resources. Working adults | 2008 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 139 |
| Short-term meditation training improves attention and self-regulation Undergraduate Chinese students | 2007 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 40 |
| Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression: Replication and Exploration of Differential Relapse Prevention Effects. Recovered recurrently depressed patients | 2004 | Randomized controlled trial | n = 73 |
Citations in the library
Cites 7
- Using Self-Report Assessment Methods to Explore Facets of Mindfulness Assessment January 27, 2006
- The integration of mindfulness and psychology Journal of Clinical Psychology April 1, 2009
- The Effect of Digital Mindfulness Interventions on Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms in Pregnant Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education September 1, 2023
- Mindfulness, subjective, and psychological well-being: A comparative analysis of FFMQ and MAAS measures. Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being May 1, 2025
- On the Association Between Mindfulness and Romantic Relationship Satisfaction: the Role of Partner Acceptance. Mindfulness 2018
and 2 more in the library