Autogenic Training vs Jacobson Relaxation in Postpartum Depression and Quality of Life among Primiparas: A Comparative Study

Background and aim: Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-22% of new mothers globally, impairing maternal functioning and infant wellbeing.Nonpharmacological approaches are vital in improving mental health and quality of life (QOL).This study compares the effectiveness of autogenic training (AT) and Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation in managing PPD and enhancing QOL among primiparas.Materials and methods: Thirty-six primiparous women diagnosed with PPD were randomly allocated into two groups using a simple random sampling with a concealed envelope method.Group A underwent AT, while group B received Jacobson progressive muscle relaxation (JPMR), with both interventions conducted three times per week over 6 weeks for 30 minutes each.Outcomes were measured before and after the interventions using the Edinburgh postnatal depression scale (EPDS) and 12-item short form survey (SF-12).Results: Both AT and JPMR significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved QOL (p < 0.001).Group B showed a greater decrease in EPDS scores (from 13.67 ± 2.81 to 7.06 ± 2.26; d ≈ 2.71) compared to group A (from 13.72 ± 2.74 to 10.83 ± 2.66; d ≈ 1.06).Moreover, group B achieved larger gains in physical health [SF-12 physical component summary (PCS): 52.28 ± 3.72 vs 48.00 ± 3.14; d ≈ 1.60] and mental health (SF-12 MCS: 46.28 ± 6.03 vs 39.33 ± 5.30; d ≈ 1.34), indicating its superior efficacy.Conclusion: Both AT and Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation improved PPD, with JPMR showing greater benefits in reducing PPD symptoms and enhancing QOL.These techniques can be recommended as supportive interventions in postpartum care.Clinical significance: Autogenic training and Jacobson relaxation techniques are both effective and economical methods of alleviating PPD and enhancing the living standards of first-time mothers.Importance in the clinical field involves the improvement of the mental well-being of mothers without the negative effects associated with drugs.