Whatsapp-Based Digital Self-Acceptance Training on Emotional Regulation and Maternity Blues Among Postpartum Mothers In Padalarang District

Silva Dwi Rahmizani, Rivana Indriani

Abstract

Postpartum emotional problems remain a significant maternal mental health issue, especially during the early postpartum period. Emotional instability may interfere with maternal adaptation and increase the risk of maternity blues. In Padalarang District, postpartum psychological support services are still limited, while digital mental health interventions remain underdeveloped. This study aimed to describe the level of emotional regulation and maternity blues among postpartum mothers in Padalarang District, analyze the effect of WhatsApp-based Digital Self-Acceptance Training on emotional regulation, and identify differences in maternity blues reduction between intervention and control groups. This study used a quasi-experimental two-group pretest-posttest design. A total of 60 postpartum mothers were recruited using purposive sampling and divided into intervention and control groups. The intervention group received a 7-day WhatsApp-based Digital Self-Acceptance Training program consisting of emotional education videos, guided reflection, emotional journaling, positive affirmations, and motivational support. Data were collected using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Statistical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, paired t-test, and independent t-test with significance level p < 0.05. The results showed that postpartum mothers initially demonstrated moderate emotional regulation and moderate maternity blues symptoms. After intervention, emotional regulation scores in the intervention group significantly increased from 48.2 to 71.4 with p = 0.001. Meanwhile, maternity blues scores significantly decreased from 16.1 to 7.2 with p = 0.002 compared to the control group. The findings indicate that WhatsApp-based Digital Self-Acceptance Training effectively improves emotional regulation and reduces maternity blues symptoms among postpartum mothers in Padalarang District.

Keywords

Postpartum mothers; maternity blues; emotional regulation; self-acceptance; WhatsApp intervention

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References

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25157/ihc.v2i1.25718

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