The Effect of Benson Relaxation Technique on Stress, Anxiety, and Depression in Pregnant Women

Relaxation programs can be effective in establishing psychological tranquility for maternal and fetal health. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of this low-cost, effective, easy method on the stress, anxiety, and depression in pregnant women. This randomized clinical trial study was conducted from July 2015 to July 2016. Seventy pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy were included in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups of 35 subjects using a random number table. Participants in group 1 received relaxation training and group 2 received routine care. A demographic questionnaire and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were completed before and 1 and 2 months after the intervention. The SPSS software version 18 was used for data analysis. There were significant differences in the mean difference of the total DASS score (14; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4 to 32) as well as the scores of stress (4; 95% CI : 1 to 10), anxiety (6; 95% CI: 2 to 10), and depression (6; 95% CI: 2 to 12) 2 months after the intervention between the 2 groups. The Benson relaxation technique decreased DASS-21 scores in the intervention group.