The Effect of Expressive Writing on Post‑traumatic Stress Disorder and Hopelessness in Mothers with Premature Neonates Hospitalized in NICU

Abstract

Background: Premature birth and hospitalization of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) can contribute to Post‑Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in mothers who also experience high levels of hopelessness. It is essential that a proper strategy be used for managing these challenges. This study aims to determine the effect of Expressive Writing (EW) on PTSD and hopelessness in mothers with premature neonates who were hospitalized in NICU. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial involved 65 mothers with premature neonates admitted to an NICU in Esfahan (Iran) in 2023. Samples were selected by the convenience sampling method and divided into control (n = 33) and intervention (n = 32) groups. The intervention group engaged in EW three times a week. All the participants completed the Perinatal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Questionnaire and Beck’s Hopelessness Scale. Moreover, statistical analyses including independent t‑test, paired t‑test, Chi‑square test, and Fisher exact test were performed using SPSS 24. Results: Following the intervention, the mean scores of PTSD and hopelessness were significantly lower in the intervention group compared with the control group ((t = 13.86, df = 63, p ˂ 0.001) and (t = 8.32, df = 63, p ˂ 0.001), respectively). Conclusions: Expressive writing proved effective in reducing PTSD and hopelessness in mothers with premature neonates. This low‑cost and effective intervention is recommended for enhancing maternal mental health and empowering mothers for optimal care of premature infants in NICUs and after discharge.