The Effect of Psychodrama-Based Group Work on Postpartum Women's Depression and Forgiveness Tendencies: A Randomised Controlled Study

The neonatal period is a critical stage of development in the first 28 days after birth, during which the baby adapts physiologically and biologically to the external environment. Owing to issues such as prematurity, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, and respiratory distress, some babies require advanced medical support, highlighting the vital importance of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). During this process, mothers experience intense psychological stress due to factors such as uncertainty about the baby's health, limited physical contact, a highly technological environment, and the postponement of maternal roles, which leads to the emergence of negative emotions, such as guilt, inadequacy, hopelessness, helplessness, and anxiety, thereby making the postpartum period more emotionally fragile. These negative emotions also weaken the psychological resilience of postpartum mothers and constitute a significant risk factor, especially for the development of postpartum depression. Studies in the literature indicate that mothers experiencing postpartum depression negatively affect their breastfeeding behaviors, adaptation to the postpartum period, ability to cope with challenges, quality of life, and overall mental, physical, and social health. The concept of forgiveness, which facilitates relief from pain and distress caused by intense negative emotions that intensify during the postpartum period, is defined as an important psychological component in overcoming depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, and crises in a healthy manner. Forgiveness has been reported to make a significant contribution, particularly in reducing depressive symptoms. Forgiveness has been shown to have positive effects in alleviating psychological distress, protecting and improving health, and has been found to be beneficial in the treatment of various mental disorders. One such approach is psychodrama. Psychodrama has been used in the field of nursing since the 1960s and has found a place in clinical practice. Psychodrama is an effective and important psychotherapy method in terms of increasing peer support, finding a model for identification, experiencing positive relationships, seeing different approaches to relationships, and experiencing different roles. An increase in the number of psychiatric nurses with knowledge and skills in psychodrama will add a scientific and artistic dimension to the field of nursing, creating a special level of advancement in the quality of care provided by nurses through interactions with people. In this context, considering the critical role of women in shaping the future of society, this study evaluated the effects of a psychodrama-based group intervention aimed at supporting the psychological well-being of mothers during the postpartum period, reducing depressive symptoms, and strengthening tendencies toward forgiveness.