The Effectiveness of Psychological Empowerment Program in Preventing Postpartum Depression Among Pregnant Women in Indonesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health problem that affects women during pregnancy and after childbirth. Women with postpartum depression may experience persistent sadness, anxiety, stress, low self-confidence, sleep disturbances, difficulty bonding with their baby, and emotional distress that can interfere with daily functioning and family relationships. In Indonesia, the prevalence of postpartum depression remains high, while preventive mental health services for pregnant women are still limited. Maternal care services primarily focus on physical health, with minimal attention given to psychological preparation and emotional well-being during pregnancy.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a Psychological Empowerment Program in preventing postpartum depression among pregnant women in Indonesia. The program is based on Zimmerman's Psychological Empowerment Theory and is designed to strengthen women's perceived control, self-efficacy, coping behaviour during pregnancy and the transition to motherhood.

This research will use a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Eligible pregnant women in their third trimester, together with their partners, will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Participants in the intervention group will receive the Psychological Empowerment Program in addition to routine antenatal care, while participants in the control group will receive standard antenatal and postnatal care only.

The intervention consists of structured weekly sessions delivered through interactive discussions, guided activities, emotional coping exercises, communication training, problem-solving activities, and empowerment-focused education. Topics include understanding emotional changes during pregnancy, increasing self-confidence in motherhood, improving coping strategies,, and building practical parenting skills. Sessions will be facilitated by trained healthcare professionals, including midwives, psychologists, and mental health nurses. (facilitator training will be conducted before the intervention)

The study will measure depressive symptoms, self-efficacy, perceived control, and coping strategies before the intervention, after completion of the program, and during the postpartum follow-up period. Standardized questionnaires, including the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), Pearlin Mastery Scale, and Brief COPE Inventory, will be used to evaluate outcomes.