Comparison of the effects of haptonomy application and mindfulness-based stress reduction on psychological well-being, perceived stress, and fear of childbirth in primiparous women: a randomized controlled trial*

This study aimed to examine and compare the effects of haptonomy and a mindfulness-based stress reduction program (MBSR) on psychological well-being, perceived stress, and fear of childbirth among primiparous pregnant women. This prospective, assessor-blinded, three-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted between January 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024. A total of 120 primiparous pregnant women were randomly assigned to the haptonomy group ( n = 40), MBSR group ( n = 40), or control group ( n = 40). At baseline, participants completed the Personal Information Form, Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A). PWBS, PSS, and W-DEQ-A were reassessed at weeks 4 and 8. The interventions were conducted individually through face-to-face sessions, supported by home-based video/audio materials. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, repeated-measures ANOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc analyses. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups at baseline ( p > .05). However, significant differences emerged at weeks 4 and 8 for all primary outcomes ( p < .001). Compared with the control group, participants in both intervention groups demonstrated significantly higher psychological well-being scores and significantly lower perceived stress and fear of childbirth scores. At week 8, the haptonomy group demonstrated greater improvement than the MBSR group across all outcome measures. Both haptonomy and MBSR were effective in improving psychological well-being and reducing perceived stress and fear of childbirth among primiparous pregnant women. Haptonomy demonstrated greater effectiveness than MBSR across all primary outcomes. This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06699550; registered on November 19, 2024; retrospectively registered). The study protocol was finalized before participant recruitment; trial registration was completed subsequently due to administrative delays.