The effect of haptonomy application on risk perception, distress and attachment in pregnant women with prenatal loss

Aim: The research was conducted to determine the effects of haptonomy application given to pregnant women who experienced prenatal loss on risk perception, distress and attachment. Material and method: This randomized controlled study was conducted between July 2023 and June 2024. The study sample consisted of 126 pregnant women who had experienced at least one prenatal loss, 63 in the experimental group and 63 in the control group. Data were obtained using the "Personal Introduction Form", "Perception of Pregnancy Risk Scale (PPRS)", "Tilburg Pregnancy Distress Scale (TPDS)" and "Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI)". Results: It was determined that the post-test PPRS total score average and the risk perception towards the baby and risk perception towards themselves sub- dimensions of the pregnant women in the experimental group were lower than the control group (p<0.001). It was determined that 11.3% of the difference between the groups in the risk perception level was explained by changes over time and the effect size was medium (η=0.113). It was determined that the total TPDS score average of the pregnant women in the experimental group was lower than of the control group (p<0.001). It was determined that 33.1% of the difference between the groups in distress levels was explained by changes over time and the effect size was large (η=0.331). It was found that the total PAI score average was higher in the experimental group than in the control group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.001). Conclusion: It was determined that haptonomy application to pregnant women who experienced prenatal loss reduced risk perception and distress levels and did not affect the prenatal attachment level.