Effect of Mandala Art Therapy on Childbirth Fear and Anxiety in Expectant Fathers

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of mandala art therapy in reducing childbirth fear and state anxiety among expectant fathers whose partners are nulliparous pregnant women and who are waiting in the obstetric ward waiting area during labor. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated to either the intervention or the control group using a simple randomization procedure. Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive a single, individually administered mandala art therapy session lasting approximately 20-25 minutes. During the session, participants will be encouraged to select their preferred mandala patterns and colors, thereby facilitating individual expression and engagement in the therapeutic process. Participants in the control group will receive routine care without any additional intervention and will undergo the same assessment procedures as the intervention group. Data will be collected at two time points: immediately before the intervention (baseline) and immediately after the intervention. The primary outcome of the study is childbirth fear, while the secondary outcome is state anxiety.

Inclusion criteria

• Fathers whose partners are nulliparous pregnant women Fathers aged 18 years and older Fathers whose partners are admitted for planned vaginal delivery Fathers present in the obstetric waiting area during the study period Fathers who are able to read and understand Turkish Fathers who voluntarily agree to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Presence of obstetric emergency or unplanned change in delivery method (e.g., emergency cesarean section) History of diagnosed psychiatric disorders requiring treatment (e.g., anxiety disorders) Inability to understand or complete study questionnaires Absence from the waiting area during the intervention period