Effectiveness of a parent-centered group training program on maternal self-efficacy, happiness, and marital satisfaction among first-time expectant mothers: a quasi-experimental study

The transition to parenthood represents a profound developmental milestone accompanied by extensive psychological, emotional, and relational changes, particularly for first-time expectant mothers. Inadequate preparation for this transition may compromise maternal self-efficacy, subjective well-being, and marital quality, thereby affecting family functioning. Although prenatal educational interventions are widely recommended, evidence remains limited regarding their effectiveness in simultaneously improving multiple psychosocial outcomes during pregnancy. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a parent-centered group training program on self-efficacy, happiness, and marital satisfaction among first-time expectant mothers. This quasi-experimental study with a control group was conducted among 100 first-time pregnant women recruited from prenatal care centers in Shahrekord, Iran. Participants were allocated to an intervention group ( n = 50) and a control group ( n = 50). The intervention group received a six-session parent-centered group training program grounded in the ASSURE instructional design model, in addition to routine prenatal care, while the control group received routine care only. The program emphasized experiential learning, peer support, observational learning, and skill-based training related to infant care and marital relationship management. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and six weeks postpartum using the Self-Efficacy in the Nurturing Role (SENR) scale, the Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), and the Couples Satisfaction Index–Short Form (CSI-SF). Data were analyzed using independent-samples and paired-samples t-tests in SPSS version 16. Of 80 participants included in the final analysis, 42 were in the intervention group and 38 in the control group. At six weeks postpartum, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in parental self-efficacy, happiness, and marital satisfaction compared with the control group (all P < 0.001). Within-group analyses indicated significant improvements across all outcomes in the intervention group, whereas changes in the control group were minimal or non-significant. Moreover, mean change scores were significantly greater in the intervention group for all variables ( p < 0.001), indicating a robust effect of the intervention. The parent-centered group training program demonstrated significant effectiveness in enhancing parental self-efficacy, happiness, and marital satisfaction among first-time expectant mothers. These findings support the integration of structured, theory-driven, and participatory prenatal education programs into routine maternity care to promote maternal psychosocial well-being and facilitate a more adaptive transition to parenthood.