The effect of internet‐based guided self‐help cognitive‐behavioral therapies on Iranian women's psychological symptoms and preferred method of childbirth

Purpose The effectiveness of an Internet‐based guided self‐help cognitive‐behavioral therapy (I‐GSH‐CBT) was assessed in alleviating childbirth fear (CBF), depression, anxiety, and stress of pregnant women during the first delivery. Design and Methods In a quasi‐experimental study, pregnant women in the intervention group used the I‐GSH‐CBT program during pregnancy. The Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire, and the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale 42‐item (DASS‐42) questionnaires were used to collect the psychometric data. Findings Implementing the I‐GSH‐CBT significantly reduced CBF, DASS‐42 scores, and cesarean section preference. Practice Implications The I‐GSH‐CBT program effectively decreases the adverse mood symptoms in nulliparous pregnant women.