The Enchanting Symphony of Haptonomy's Impact on Attachment and Spousal Harmony for Women Conceiving Through Infertility Treatment

Summary

Pregnancies resulting from infertility treatment are considered normal and 'low-risk' in some countries, they often entail significant stress. Prenatal attachment may be experienced differently by parents conceiving through fertility interventions. The rising prevalence of fertility treatments is associated with increased risks such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and perinatal mortality for pregnancies achieved through infertility treatments. Beyond medical implications, post-infertility treatment pregnancies can induce high levels of anxiety and a perception of pregnancy as risky, affecting individuals psychologically. The transition to parenthood after infertility treatment can be psychologically challenging.

Healthy prenatal attachment in expectant mothers fosters the development of a healthy role as both mother and father. Maternal bonding is closely tied to a woman's mental health during the prenatal period and her commitment to her baby. Similarly, prenatal bonding with the father sheds light on the emotional connection developing between the father and the unborn child. Active participation in prenatal experiences, such as attending ultrasound appointments or discussing parenting plans, contributes to a stronger sense of attachment for fathers and establishes a positive foundation for future bonding. Supportive partner relationships during pregnancy enhance paternal bonding and emphasize the importance of a collaborative approach to prenatal care for both parents. The prenatal period is critical for fathers to establish an early emotional connection with their unborn children, laying a positive groundwork for postnatal bonding.

Various interventions aim to enhance communication between parents and augment prenatal attachment. One such practice is haptonomy-haptotherapy. Haptotherapy focuses on restoring emotional connections, especially with one's own body. It helps individuals recognize their emotional capacities and allows them to experience these capacities through insightful conversations, therapeutic touch, and skill exercises. In the context of pregnancy, haptonomy involves physical contact between the pregnant woman, her partner, and the unborn baby. Advocates of haptonomy believe that this touch-based communication can strengthen the bond between parents and the baby, promote a sense of security, and positively influence the pregnancy experience.

Haptonomy is thought to contribute positively to the psychological well-being of women during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, potentially preventing mental health issues and enhancing the health of both mother and baby. It is emphasized that haptonomy is a distinct practice focused on enhancing communication between parents and the baby. Existing literature suggests that haptonomy can increase emotional bonding during the prenatal period and may be effective for parents showing low attachment. Studies indicate that touch communication develops from the second month, involving vibrations for communicating with the fetus, ultimately increasing bonding through haptonomy. Furthermore, haptonomy is reported to enhance both spousal and parental attachment, as demonstrated in a study emphasizing increased attachment for fathers with their partners and children.

Despite documented benefits of haptonomy in various patient groups, from cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy to pregnant women and those with chronic pain, limited research exists on haptotherapy for pregnant women. This study aims to investigate the impact of partner-administered haptonomy on prenatal attachment and marital adjustment in pregnant women. Conducted through a randomized controlled experimental design, the study seeks to provide evidence by enhancing prenatal attachments in both mothers and fathers.

Research Hypotheses:

H0-1: The application of haptonomy by partners has an effect on maternal attachment in pregnant women.

H1-1: The application of haptonomy by partners does not have an effect on maternal attachment in pregnant women.

H0-2: The application of haptonomy by partners has no effect on paternal attachment in pregnant women.

H1-2: The application of haptonomy by partners has an effect on paternal attachment in pregnant women.

H0-3: The application of haptonomy by partners has no effect on marital adjustment in pregnant women.

H1-3: The application of haptonomy by partners has an effect on marital adjustment in pregnant women.

Conditions

• Infertility

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

haptonomy

Pregnant women in the intervention group will complete the Prenatal Attachment Scale and Marital Adjustment Scale, and fathers will complete the Antenatal Father Attachment Scale and Marital Adjustment Scale through face-to-face interviews. Information will be given that Haptonomy will consist of five sessions. Haptonomy will be applied by the researcher together with the partner. Each session will last for 40 minutes. The effectiveness and continuity of sessions will be planned between 3 to 7 days. One week after completing the five sessions of haptonomy, pregnant women will again complete the Prenatal Attachment Scale and Marital Adjustment Scale, and fathers will complete the Antenatal Father Attachment Scale and Marital Adjustment Scale through face-to-face interviews. The completion of the scales will take approximately 10-15 minutes.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Baskent University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• İlçim Ercan Koyuncu · Baskent University

• Cansu Akdağ Topal · Baskent University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-09-15

Primary Completion

2025-10-15

Completion

2025-12-15

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations