Examining the Efficacy of Life Skill Interventions in Alleviating Baby Blues: A Comparative Study of Working and Nonworking Mother

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a Life Skill Training (LST) module in reducing Baby Blues among working and non-working mothers. Methodology: A 2x2 factorial design with two independent variables - occupational status, either working or not working, and training condition, pre- or post-training - was adopted. The dependent variable, Baby Blues, was assessed in terms of the EPDS, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, of the mothers by means of repeated measurements. The mothers were drawn from maternity hospitals in Jaipur & Delhi. A sample of 100 mothers belonging to equal proportions from working and not working groups was taken. Considering criteria for selection were mothers within 2 to 3 weeks of post-cesarean delivery. Results: The results were evident from the significant reduction of the symptoms of Baby Blues across both groups following LST, with working mothers showing more improvement compared to those who are non-working. The result of the statistical analysis showed significant effects of occupational status and training conditions on Baby Blues levels (p < .000). The findings were further emphasized in the interaction between occupational status and LST, which revealed more emotional relief on the part of working mothers since they face both professional and maternal responsibilities. Conclusion: A major alleviation of Baby Blues among working and non-working mothers was seen due to LST, with greater benefits observed among working mothers. The findings indicate that LST might prove to be an effective intervention for postpartum emotional distress. It was recommended that long-term evaluations of their studies should be carried out and future research should address the self-report bias so that these results are more robust.