The effectiveness of meta-emotion combined therapy on reducing anxiety sensitivity and experiential avoidance in women with postpartum depression

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum depression has an effect on reducing maternal attachment and family relationships and can be a threat to the safety and well-being of mother, infant and other children. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of meta-emotion combined therapy on anxiety sensitivity and experiential avoidance in women with postpartum depression. Method: The present study was a quasi-experimental study with two-group pretest-posttest method. The statistical population of the study was all women referring to Golestan Health Center in Ardabil in the years 2018-19. Sampling method was available. Using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, 40 subjects (20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group) were selected. Then, for the experimental group, meta-emotion combined therapy protocol was performed during 12 sessions and the results were analyzed based on experimental avoidance and anxiety sensitivity scales using covariance statistical method using SPSS software version 18. Results: The results showed that the mean scores of post-test anxiety sensitivity and experimental avoidance in the experimental group were lower than the control group. In other words, meta-emotion combined therapy on reducing anxiety sensitivity (F=129.89, P=0.001>0.05) and experimental avoidance (F=229.10, P=0.001>0.05) is effective. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the meta-emotion combined therapy, through emotion regulation and reduction of negative emotions, is an effective therapeutic approach in reducing anxiety sensitivity and experiential avoidance in women with postpartum depression.