The feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to support women self-reporting fear of childbirth in a first pregnancy



Howard, Sarah, Houghton, Consultant Midwife Gillian, White, Ross ORCID: 0000-0003-4026-6439, Fallon, Vicky ORCID: 0000-0002-7350-2568 and Slade, Pauline
(2022) The feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention to support women self-reporting fear of childbirth in a first pregnancy. PSYCHOLOGY & HEALTH, 38 (11). pp. 1460-1481.

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Abstract

<h4>Objective</h4>To assess the feasibility and acceptability of a single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to help women manage fear of childbirth during a first pregnancy.<h4>Design</h4>A mixed-methods approach including qualitative feedback and pre/post-intervention self-report measures. Pregnant women (14-37 weeks gestation) were recruited via the UK National Health Service and attended a single-session (<3 hours) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention alongside routine antenatal care. Data were analysed using content and statistical analyses.<h4>Main outcome measures</h4>Fear of childbirth, anxiety and wellbeing were the main outcome measures. Secondary to these, intolerance of uncertainty and valued life domains (e.g. relationships, recreation) as hypothesised mechanisms of change, were also assessed.<h4>Results</h4>33 expressions of interest were received, 21 women signed up, 15 participated, and 11 completed follow-up measures (participation rate: 33%). Findings demonstrated clinical and statistical reductions in fear of childbirth and anxiety alongside positive feedback on the intervention. Intolerance of uncertainty and wellbeing were low at baseline and remained unchanged.<h4>Conclusion</h4>A single-session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention to manage fear of childbirth is potentially feasible and acceptable. A pilot randomised controlled trial is warranted. Further research should explore efficacy and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may reduce perinatal distress.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Pregnancy, fear of childbirth, intolerance of uncertainty, psychological intervention
Divisions: Faculty of Health and Life Sciences
Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Population Health
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 12 Jan 2022 16:03
Last Modified: 21 Oct 2023 01:50
DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.2024190
Open Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2021.2024190
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URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3146552