The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, particularly among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women. A recent study titled Online cognitive behavioural therapy as a psychological vaccine against stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women: A randomised controlled trial provides valuable insights into the efficacy of online cognitive behavioral therapy (o-CBT) for managing stress. This blog aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging further exploration.
The study involved 207 pregnant women divided into three groups: the o-CBT group, the Online Psychological Support group (o-PS), and the Usual Care group (UC). The results demonstrated that women in the o-CBT group exhibited lower rates of pregnancy-specific stress and perceived stress, greater resilience, and reduced anxiety, depression, and obsession-compulsion symptoms compared to the other groups.
Key Takeaways for Practitioners
- Effectiveness of o-CBT: The study shows that o-CBT is effective in reducing stress and improving resilience among pregnant women. This can be particularly useful during periods of high stress, such as a pandemic.
- Implementation: Practitioners can incorporate o-CBT into their practice by conducting 8-week group sessions via videoconferencing. Each session should include psychoeducation, stress management techniques, cognitive restructuring, and social skills training.
- Data-Driven Decisions: The study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of o-CBT for stress management. Practitioners should leverage this data to advocate for the implementation of similar programs in their practice.
- Further Research: Encourage practitioners to conduct further research to validate the findings and explore the long-term effects of o-CBT on maternal and child health.
Practical Steps for Implementation
- Training: Ensure that therapists are well-trained in cognitive behavioral therapy and familiar with online delivery methods.
- Session Structure: Each session should last 1.5-2 hours and include the following components:
- Welcome and weekly check-in
- Introduction of new skills and techniques
- Role-playing and practice
- Homework assignments to reinforce learning
- Evaluation: Use standardized tools like the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) to assess participants' progress.
- Feedback: Regularly collect feedback from participants to refine and improve the program.
By integrating these practices, practitioners can significantly enhance their ability to manage stress in pregnant women, leading to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Online cognitive behavioural therapy as a psychological vaccine against stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in pregnant women: A randomised controlled trial.
