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

To evaluate a Snyder's hope theory-based psychological intervention for promoting post-traumatic growth (PTG) in women after perinatal loss.
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.
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).
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.