Effect of mindfulness stress reduction combined with cognitive behavioral therapy on perinatal anxiety disorder and maternal-infant bonding

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Perinatal anxiety disorder is the main problem affecting mother-infant bonding. Though the impact of perinatal anxiety in primiparous women on the mother-infant relationship is well established, appropriate interventions need to be explored.

AIM

To explore the synergistic intervention effect of mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on perinatal anxiety disorders and mother-infant bonding in primiparas.

METHODS

A total of 150 primiparas with perinatal anxiety disorders admitted to the hospital from January 2020 to October 2024 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number method. The control group (n = 75) received CBT, and the observation group (n = 75) received mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with CBT. The anxiety and depressive emotions, as well as the mother-infant emotional bonding situation, were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the anxiety and depressive states in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The mother-infant bonding (sense of pleasure, recognition, understanding, and love) in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the role adaptation ability was also higher than in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with CBT can reduce perinatal anxiety disorders in primiparas, promote mother-infant bonding, and improve their ability to adapt to the mother role.

Keywords: Mindfulness stress reduction; Cognitive behavioral therapy; Primiparous women; Perinatal anxiety disorder; Mother-infant emotional bonding

Core Tip: Mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduces perinatal anxiety and depression in primiparas by enhancing self-regulation and correcting cognitive distortions. This synergistic approach strengthens mother-infant bonding through improved emotional recognition, role adaptation, and affectionate interactions, outperforming cognitive behavioral therapy alone. Prioritizing non-pharmacological interventions addresses perinatal mental health safely while promoting long-term maternal-infant relational health.