The effect of individual counseling based on the GATHER principles on perceived stress and empowerment of the mothers with high-risk pregnancies: an experimental study

BACKGROUND: High-risk pregnancy causes different responses, including negative emotions, feelings of vulnerability and psychological stress in the mother. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of individual counseling on the empowerment and the perceived stress of high-risk pregnant mothers. METHODS: This study was a two-group experimental study. The study was performed on 82 high-risk pregnant women hospitalized in Fatemieh Hospital in Hamadan, Iran. Inclusion criteria were high-risk pregnancy, being literate, gestational age 24 to 36 weeks. The samples were divided into experimental and control groups using randomized block design. Data were collected using Cohen’s perceived stress scale and Kameda empowerment questionnaires. For the experimental group, four sessions of individual counseling according to GATHER principles (Greet, Ask, Tell, Help, Explain, and Return) were performed for 45–60 minutes for two consecutive weeks. SPSS 25 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean score of the perceived stress after the intervention in the control and experimental groups were 27.07(5.80) and 25.30(4.95), respectively (P = 0.097). There was a substantial difference in the mean score of empowerment 84.76)9.14) and 88.75 (6.17) (P < 0.001) and different dimensions of empowerment (self-efficacy, Future image, self-esteem, Support and assurance from others) between the control and intervention groups after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate individual counseling is effective in empowering the mothers with high-risk pregnancy but has no significant effect on their perceived stress.