The Effect of Web-Based Compassion-Focused Structured Writing Programs on Well-Being in Midwives Working in Delivery Rooms
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Compassion-Focused Writing Program, Reflective Writing Program.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Psychological Well-being, Secondary Traumatic Stress, Occupational Stress. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · Female.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
The Effect of Web-Based Compassion-Focused Writing Program and Reflective Writing Program on Psychological Outcomes in Midwives Working in Delivery Rooms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Overview
This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of a web-based compassion-focused writing program and a reflective writing program on psychological well-being, self-compassion, postpartum trauma-related stress symptoms, and post-traumatic growth in midwives working in delivery rooms.
Detailed description
This study is planned as a single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of two different writing-based interventions on psychological outcomes in midwives working in delivery rooms. During the childbirth process, midwives may occasionally witness traumatic events, which may lead to secondary traumatic stress, burnout, and various psychological difficulties. The literature indicates that expressive writing, reflective writing, and compassion-focused writing approaches contribute to individuals' ability to make sense of traumatic experiences, enhance emotional regulation skills, and support psychological well-being. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the effects of writing-based interventions that may support the psychological resilience of midwives. A total of 90 midwives who meet the inclusion criteria will be included in the study and randomly assigned to two groups using a computer-generated random number sequence. One group will receive a web-based compassion-focused writing program, while the other group will receive a web-based reflective writing program. Both programs will consist of five sessions conducted once per week via an online platform. Data will be collected using a Personal Information Form, Psychological Well-Being Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, City Birth Trauma Scale, and Post-Traumatic Growth Scale - Short Form. Measurements will be conducted before the intervention, immediately after the completion of the program, and during the follow-up period. Additionally, after each session, participants will complete a brief questionnaire to evaluate their writing experience. The collected data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods to compare the effects of both writing programs on psychological well-being, self-compassion, post-traumatic growth, and trauma-related stress symptoms.
Interventions
- Behavioral Compassion-Focused Writing Program
The web-based compassion-focused writing program consists of five structured writing sessions designed to enhance self-compassion, empathy, emotional awareness, and coping skills related to challenging birth experiences. - Behavioral Reflective Writing Program
The web-based reflective writing program consists of structured online writing exercises designed to facilitate reflective thinking, emotional expression, and self-awareness.
Primary outcome measures
- Psychological Well-Being [Time frame: Within 24 hours before the intervention, within 24 hours after the intervention, and 6-8 weeks after the intervention]
- Self-Compassion [Time frame: Within 24 hours before the intervention, within 24 hours after the intervention, and 6-8 weeks after the intervention]
- Birth-Related Traumatic Stress Symptoms [Time frame: Within 24 hours before the intervention and 6-8 weeks after the intervention]
- Posttraumatic Growth [Time frame: Within 24 hours before the intervention and 6-8 weeks after the intervention]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Working as a midwife in a delivery room between November 1, 2025, and February 15, 2027
- Native Turkish speaker
- Female
- Aged between 18-65 years
- Having at least a bachelor's degree in midwifery
- Having at least three years of delivery room experience
- No diagnosed psychological or psychiatric disorder
- Having the technical infrastructure to use a web-based program
- Ability to use a smartphone, tablet, or computer
- Voluntary agreement to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
- Not working in a delivery room during the specified dates
- Not a native Turkish speaker
- Under 18 or over 65 years of age
- Male
- Changing clinical unit during the study
- Not completing all five intervention sessions
- Working less than 40 hours per week in the delivery room due to leave or reassignment
- Voluntary withdrawal from the study at any stage
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Other
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Publications
- Uddin N, Ayers S, Khine R, Webb R. The perceived impact of birth trauma witnessed by maternity health professionals: A systematic review. Midwifery. 2022 Nov;114:103460. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2022.103460. Epub 2022 Aug 13. PMID 36058189
- Hajiesmaello M, Hajian S, Riazi H, Majd HA, Yavarian R. Secondary traumatic stress in iranian midwives: stimuli factors, outcomes and risk management. BMC Psychiatry. 2022 Jan 24;22(1):56. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-03707-7. PMID 35073852
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07699887 · ZYildirim