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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07506759

The Effect of Psychodramatic Role-Playing on Postpartum Depression, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Social Support

This research was conducted to examine the effect of psychodramatic role-playing in childbirth preparation courses on postpartum depression, self-efficacy, and perception of social support. The study was conducted using a randomized controlled experimental design between October 31, 2025, and February 25, 2026. The study population consisted of pregnant women who applied to the Antenatal School of Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital. The sample size was calculated as 57 pregnant women (control: 29, intervention: 28). While the control group received standard childbirth preparation education, the intervention group received standard childbirth preparation education as well as psychodramatic role-playing. The Demographic Information Form, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to collect research data. The study findings revealed no significant differences between the control and intervention groups in terms of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. Furthermore, no significant differences were found between the control and intervention groups in pre-test and post-test scores on the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.

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Key information

Conditions

Postpartum Depression Depression, Postpartum Depressive Disorder Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications Maternal Self-Efficacy Mental Disorders Mood Disorders Perceived Social Support Pregnancy Pregnancy Complications Puerperal Disorders Urogenital Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Zeynep Kamil Women and Children's Diseases Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, 34668, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Childbirth preparation education plays a crucial role in reducing anxiety, increasing maternal self-efficacy, and enhancing perceived social support during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Innovative educational approaches, such as psychodramatic role-playing, may strengthen coping skills and emotional preparedness for childbirth. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of psychodramatic role-playing integrated into childbirth preparation classes provided in a maternity education program.

The study included pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation who voluntarily participated in the childbirth education program. Participants were randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received structured childbirth preparation education sessions enriched with psychodramatic role-playing techniques designed to improve emotional expression, coping strategies, and social interaction. The control group received the standard childbirth preparation education program.

Data were collected at baseline and during the postpartum period using standardized measurement tools including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale. The primary outcomes of the study were postpartum depression, maternal self-efficacy, and perceived social support. This study aims to provide evidence on the effectiveness of psychosocial and interactive educational interventions in childbirth education programs and to support the development of evidence-based maternal care practices.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Agree to participate in the study and be able to speak and understand Turkish,
  • Be 18 years of age or older,
  • Be at least literate,
  • Be a primiparous pregnant woman,
  • Be at least 32 weeks and no more than 36 weeks pregnant,
  • Have no psychological disorders or chronic illnesses.

Exclusion criteria

  • Being multiparous,
  • Being less than 32 weeks pregnant,
  • Being in the high-risk pregnancy category,
  • Having received childbirth preparation training from another institution or individual,
  • Not having completed the training program.

Treatment and study plan

Psychodramatic Role-Playing Childbirth Education

Behavioral

Psychodramatic role-playing integrated into childbirth preparation education was administered to the intervention group. The program included structured educational sessions combined with interactive role-playing activities aimed at improving emotional expression, coping skills, maternal self-efficacy, and perceived social support during pregnancy and the postpartum period.

Standard Childbirth Education

Behavioral

The control group received the standard childbirth preparation education routinely provided in childbirth education classes without psychodramatic role-playing components.

Primary outcomes

  1. Postpartum Depression

    Time frame: Postpartum week 1 and postpartum week 8

    Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale will be applied to examine the effect of home visits and prenatal education on postpartum depression.

    Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS); EPDS is a 4-point Likert style self-report scale consisting of 10 items. PRES was adapted to Turkish by Engindeniz. In Engindeniz's validity and reliability study, this scale had an internal consistency coefficient of 0.79, a split-half reliability, a cut-off of 0.80 of 12/13, a sensitivity of 0.84, a specificity of 0.88, a positive predictive value of 0.69, and a negative predictive value of 0.94. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale is a 10-item self-report scale assessing the common symptoms of depression. Each item is scored on a 4 point scale (O-3), the minimum and maximum total score ranging from O-30, respec- tively. The highest score is 30 points. If it is less than 9 points, there is no risk for depression, if it is 13 and above, there is a high risk for depression.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Maternal Self-Efficacy

    Time frame: Postpartum week 1 and postpartum week 8

    Maternal self-efficacy levels measured using the General Self-Efficacy Scale. The General Self-Efficacy Scale was developed by Ralf Schwarzer and Matthias Jerusalem to assess individuals' general perceptions of self-efficacy in coping with stressful situations and managing challenging life events. The scale is a self-report measure consisting of 10 items on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = not at all true, 4 = completely true). The total score obtainable from the scale ranges from 10 to 40, with higher scores indicating a higher level of self-efficacy.

  2. Perceived Social Support

    Time frame: Postpartum week 1 and postpartum week 8

    Perceived social support levels assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was developed by Gregory D. Zimet and colleagues to assess the level of social support individuals perceive from their family, friends and a specific person. The scale consists of a total of 12 items and uses a 7-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 7 = strongly agree).

    The scale comprises three sub-dimensions: family support, friend support and support from a significant other. Each sub-dimension consists of 4 items. The total score obtained from the scale ranges from 12 to 84, with higher scores indicating a higher level of perceived social support.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Collaborators

  • Uskudar University

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Psychodramatic Role-Playing Used in Childbirth Preparation Classes on Postpartum Depression, Self-Efficacy, and Perceived Social Support

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 2, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 2, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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