Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims
Intimate partner violence (IPV) can negatively impact both maternal and fetal outcomes. The present study aimed to determine the effects of positive psychology‐based interventions on the levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as conflict resolution strategies, in pregnant women exposed to IPV during the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Methods
A quasi‐experimental design was employed involving 74 pregnant women with a history of IPV. Participants were assigned to either an intervention group (
n
= 37) or a control group (
n
= 37) through block randomization. The intervention consisted of 8 weekly sessions of a structured positive psychology program emphasizing positive emotional experiences, adaptive coping, gratitude practices, contentment exercises, and identification of personal strengths. The control group received routine prenatal care. IPV exposure was assessed using a domestic violence screening checklist. Outcomes were measured using the Conflict Tactics Scales, the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at baseline, 1 week, and 1 month following the intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with statistical significance set at
p
Results
At baseline, no significant differences were observed between the groups in depression or state–trait anxiety scores. Post‐intervention assessments demonstrated significant reductions in depression and anxiety symptoms in the intervention group compared with the control group at both follow‐up time points (
p
p
Conclusion
Positive psychology–based interventions appear to be effective in alleviating psychological distress and strengthening conflict resolution strategies among pregnant women exposed to intimate partner violence.