The effect of psychodrama-based group work on postpartum women's depression and forgiveness tendencies: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND

The postpartum period is a sensitive process filled with intense stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges, particularly for mothers whose babies are treated in neonatal intensive care units. Psychodrama, which is based on the healing power of forgiveness, is an effective group therapy method that enables individuals to explore their emotions and develop therapeutic awareness.

AIM: This study examined the effects of psychodrama-based group work on postpartum women's tendencies toward depression and forgiveness.

DESIGN

This study used a pretest-posttest-follow-up randomised controlled experimental method.

METHOD: The study sample consisted of 23 postpartum mothers (11 experimental and 12 control) whose babies were receiving treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit between April and June 2025. While a psychodrama-based group intervention was applied to the experimental group, no intervention was performed in the control group. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Postnatal Depression Screening Scale, and the Forgiveness Scale.

RESULTS

In the study, it was found that the mean forgiveness scores in the final test and follow-up measurements of the postpartum women in the experimental group were statistically significantly higher compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In the final test and follow-up measurements, the mean postpartum depression scores of the women in the experimental group were found to be statistically significantly lower than those of the mothers in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Psychodrama-based group work increased forgiveness tendencies and reduced depression levels among postpartum women. In this regard, it is recommended that psychodrama sessions be conducted with postpartum women.