The effect of Snyder's hope theory-based psychological intervention on post-traumatic growth in chinese women experiencing perinatal loss: a randomised controlled trial

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: p < 0.001 for primary outcome

• Effect Size: Cohen's d = 1.21 (large effect)

• Primary Outcome: Post-traumatic growth significantly higher in intervention group at post-intervention (69.4±10.2 vs 58.3±11.9) and follow-up (71.9±9.6 vs 59.5±11.0)

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not calculable from available data

• Confidence Interval: Not reported

Clinical Application

Requires trained therapists familiar with Snyder's hope theory; four weekly sessions appears manageable in clinical practice Could complement existing perinatal mental health services; would need cultural adaptation and training for Australian practitioners; not currently covered under Medicare psychological therapy items Women experiencing perinatal loss seeking psychological support, particularly those with capacity to engage in structured hope-based interventions

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a Snyder's hope theory-based psychological intervention for promoting post-traumatic growth (PTG) in women after perinatal loss. METHODS: This single-blind randomised controlled trial enrolled 140 women (≥20 years) who had experienced perinatal loss. Participants were randomised to an intervention group (n = 70, four weekly hope-based sessions plus routine care) or a control group (n = 70, routine care only). The primary outcome was PTG, with secondary outcomes including grief, hope and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post intervention and at 1-month follow-up. RESULTS: The intervention group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in PTG than the control group (post intervention: 69.4 ± 10.2 vs 58.3 ± 11.9; follow-up: 71.9 ± 9.6 vs 59.5 ± 11.0; both p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.21). Significant benefits were also observed in grief reduction, hope enhancement and reductions in trauma-related symptoms (all p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified post-intervention hope as a robust predictor of PTG (β = 0.44, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Snyder's hope theory-based intervention effectively promoted PTG and improved psychological outcomes in women experiencing perinatal loss. This approach represents a promising therapeutic framework for supporting women through the complex process of moving from trauma to growth following perinatal loss.

References

1. 1.He, L., Liu, J., Sun, R., Tan, Y., Qiu, L., & Chen, S. (2026). The effect of Snyder's hope theory-based psychological intervention on post-traumatic growth in chinese women experiencing perinatal loss: a randomised controlled trial. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2026.2650195