Management of Fear of Childbirth With Art-Based Approaches: A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Mandala Coloring and Music Listening

Fear of childbirth is a common concern during pregnancy and may negatively affect women's psychological well-being and childbirth experiences. Non-pharmacological approaches that are simple, accessible, and easy to implement may help pregnant women cope with childbirth-related fear.

This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of two art-based interventions, mandala coloring and music listening, in reducing fear of childbirth among pregnant women. Eligible participants are randomly assigned to three groups: the mandala coloring group, the music listening group, and the control group.

Participants assigned to the mandala coloring group complete a structured mandala coloring intervention. Participants assigned to the music listening group receive a structured music listening intervention. Participants in the control group receive routine care without either of these additional interventions.

Fear of childbirth is assessed using validated measurement instruments before and after the intervention period. Changes in outcome measures are compared within and between the study groups to determine the effects of the interventions. The study also compares mandala coloring and music listening to determine whether one approach is more effective in reducing fear of childbirth.

The findings are expected to provide evidence regarding the use of simple, non-pharmacological, art-based approaches for managing fear of childbirth during pregnancy.