AzTrials
AzTrials

Mother-Infant BondingNCT07461922

Mandala Intervention on Mother-Infant Bonding and Parenting Self-Efficacy After Negative Birth Experiences

A study testing Mandala Coloring and Free Coloring in people with Mother-Infant Bonding, run by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of a mandala-based art intervention on mother-infant bonding and parenting self-efficacy among primiparous women (first-time mothers) who have had a negative birth experience. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 35 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Mother-Infant Bonding
What is being tested?
Mandala Coloring and Free Coloring
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
66 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
26 Jun 2025to 29 Dec 2025
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 35 years
  • Women only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Having had a vaginal delivery
  • Scoring 37 or above on the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version B (W-DEQ-B)
  • Being within the first seven days postpartum
  • Being primiparous (first-time mother) with a singleton pregnancy
  • Self-reporting a negative or adverse birth experience
  • The infant being rooming-in with the mother
Show all 9Show fewer
  • Having no diagnosed psychological disorders or problems
  • Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the research
  • Having no communication difficulties

Who cannot join

  • Having a diagnosed psychiatric disorder or currently receiving psychiatric treatment
  • Use of psychotropic medication during the postpartum period
  • Experiencing severe obstetric complications (e.g., postpartum hemorrhage, eclampsia, emergency hysterectomy)
  • Neonatal complications requiring admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
  • Having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets, etc.) or a cesarean delivery
  • Severe communication difficulties or inability to understand study procedures
  • Participation in another psychosocial or art-based intervention during the study period
  • Withdrawal of consent at any stage of the study

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University

    Çanakkale

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: The Effect of a Mandala-Based Intervention on Mother-Infant Bonding and Parenting Self-Efficacy in Primiparous Women With a Negative Birth Experience: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate the impact of a mandala-based art intervention on mother-infant bonding and parenting self-efficacy among primiparous women (first-time mothers) who have had a negative birth experience. The study focuses on how structured creative activities can support emotional recovery and maternal confidence in the early postpartum period. A total of 66 participants were randomly assigned to either a Mandala Coloring Group or a Free Coloring Group. The intervention group participated in a structured session involving guided breathing, imagery, and symbolic mandala drawing designed for stress reduction and emotional expression. The control group engaged in a non-guided, free coloring activity. Data were collected using standardized tools, including the Mother-Infant Bonding Scale, the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The primary goal is to determine if the mandala-based intervention leads to significant improvements in the bond between mother and infant and increases the mother's confidence in her parenting abilities. Secondary outcomes include changes in anxiety levels following the intervention. All procedures were conducted in a supportive environment under researcher supervision to ensure participant safety and data integrity.

Read the detailed description

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of a mandala-based intervention on mother-infant bonding and parenting self-efficacy in primiparous women (first-time mothers) who experienced a negative birth experience.

Study Design and Population The study was conducted in the obstetrics clinic of a hospital. Power analysis indicated a minimum sample size of 44 participants to achieve 80% power at a 0.05 significance level. To account for potential attrition, the study aimed for 70 participants and was completed with 66 mothers (34 in the Mandala Group and 32 in the Free Coloring Group).

Inclusion Criteria Eligible participants included women who had a vaginal delivery, were within the first seven days postpartum, were primiparous with a singleton pregnancy, and self-reported a negative birth experience confirmed by a score of 37 or above on the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version B. Participants were required to have no diagnosed psychological disorders and no communication difficulties.

Randomization and Procedure Participants were randomly assigned to either the Mandala Coloring Group or the Free Coloring Group using random allocation software. Data collection occurred at two time points: before and after the intervention.

Intervention Protocols The intervention was conducted face-to-face in a quiet, supportive environment under researcher supervision, typically when the infant was asleep. Each session lasted approximately 30 minutes.

Mandala Coloring Group: This structured relaxation process included brief information on mandala philosophy, five minutes of "box breathing" relaxation, and guided imagery of a seaside scene. Participants created and colored a "wish mandala" representing personal intentions, accompanied by shamanic drum rhythm music. The session concluded with the creation of a "stress mandala" using spiral drawings to symbolically release stress.

Free Coloring Group: This activity allowed participants to express emotions spontaneously without guidance. Participants began drawing without prior planning, and the resulting images were evaluated as personal reflections rather than artistic products.

Outcome Assessments The primary outcomes include changes in the Mother-Infant Bonding Scale and the Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale. Secondary outcomes include changes in anxiety levels measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Ethical approval was obtained prior to the study, and all participants provided written informed consent in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Being tested
Mandala Coloring, Free Coloring
Keywords
Mandala Coloring, Mother-Infant Bonding, Art-Based Intervention

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mandala ColoringOther

    The mandala practice was carried out as a structured relaxation and expression process with the following steps (Sarı Öztürk et al., 2022):

    Information: The participant was given brief information about the philosophy of mandalas.

    Breathing Exercise: Relaxation was practiced for approximately 5 minutes using the "square breath" technique.

    Guided Visualization: The participant was asked to imagine a scene by the sea and clear their mind.

    Wish Mandala: The participant was asked to draw and color a mandala representing their own feelings and wishes. It was suggested that the mandala be named and hung in their room if desired. Visualization and Music: The guided visualization process was supported by the rhythm of a shamanic drum in the background.

    Stress Mandala: The participant released their stress with drawings spiraling outwards from the center, and if desired, completed this work symbolically by tearing it or releasing it into water.

  • Free ColoringOther

    The free painting activity aims to allow the mother to freely express her feelings without any guidance.

    Initiation: The participant began drawing without any plan. Creative Flow: The drawings reflected the participant's current mood and emotional state.

    Exploration and Expression: Inner exploration was achieved through the images and themes that emerged during the process.

    Completion: Upon completion of the work, the participant evaluated the resulting picture as a personal reflection. This activity was evaluated solely for the purpose of emotional expression, not based on artistic skill.

Study groups in NCT07461922
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Free CloringSham comparatorThe free painting activity aims to allow the mother to freely express her feelings without any guidance. Initiation: The participant began drawing without any plan. Creative Flow: The drawings reflected the participant's current mood and emotional state. Exploration and Expression: Inner exploration was achieved through the images and themes that emerged during the process. Completion: Upon completion of the work, the participant evaluated the resulting picture as a personal reflection. This activity was evaluated solely for the purpose of emotional expression, not based on artistic skill.
Receives: Other: Free Coloring
Mandala ColoringExperimentalThe mandala practice was carried out as a structured relaxation and expression process with the following steps (Sarı Öztürk et al., 2022): Information: The participant was given brief information about the philosophy of mandalas. Breathing Exercise: Relaxation was practiced for approximately 5 minutes using the "square breath" technique. Guided Visualization: The participant was asked to imagine a scene by the sea and clear their mind. Wish Mandala: The participant was asked to draw and color a mandala representing their own feelings and wishes. It was suggested that the mandala be named and hung in their room if desired. Visualization and Music: The guided visualization process was supported by the rhythm of a shamanic drum in the background. Stress Mandala: The participant released their stress with drawings spiraling outwards from the center, and if desired, completed this work symbolically by tearing it or releasing it into water.
Receives: Other: Mandala Coloring

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS)

    The Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) is an 8-item self-report instrument used to evaluate a mother's feelings toward her infant during the early postpartum period. Each item is scored on a 4-point Likert scale (0 to 3). Total scores range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 24. The scale includes five reverse-scored items reflecting negative emotions (e.g., anger, disappointment). A higher total score indicates a higher level of bonding difficulties or problematic attachment, which represents a worse outcome. A score of 13 or higher is used as a threshold to predict problematic bonding.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention (Day 1) and post intervention

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale (KPSCS)

    The Karitane Parenting Confidence Scale is a 14-item self-report instrument used to assess parental self-confidence in mothers and fathers of infants aged 0-12 months. Each item is scored on a 4-point scale. One item is reverse-scored to ensure internal consistency. Total scores on the scale range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 42. A higher total score indicates a higher level of parental self-confidence, which represents a better outcome.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention (Day 1) and post intervention

  2. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)

    The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) is a self-report instrument used to measure both temporary anxiety (State Anxiety) and long-standing anxiety trends (Trait Anxiety). The scale consists of two parts, each containing 20 items scored on a 4-point Likert scale (1 to 4). The inventory includes both direct statements (expressing negative emotions) and reversed statements (expressing positive emotions). Total scores for each part range from a minimum of 20 to a maximum of 80. A higher total score indicates a higher level of anxiety, which represents a worse outcome.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention (Day 1) and post intervention

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Mar 2026
  2. Study start26 Jun 2025
  3. Primary completion28 Nov 2025
  4. Study completion29 Dec 2025

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This interventional study was designed as a randomized, parallel-group controlled trial. Eligible primiparous postpartum women with a negative birth experience were randomly assigned to one of two parallel arms: a mandala-based intervention group or a free coloring control group. Each participant received only the intervention allocated to her group, and no crossover between groups occurred. Both study arms were conducted concurrently. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline before the intervention and immediately after completion of the single-session intervention. The parallel-group design enabled direct comparison between the intervention and control groups while minimizing contamination and supporting internal validity.
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
66 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07461922
Sponsor's protocol ID
2025-YÖNP-0105
Status last verified
Jun 2025
First submitted
29 Dec 2025
Last updated
10 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: Individual participant data will not be shared due to confidentiality concerns and ethical restrictions specified in the ethics committee approval.

Publications

  • Ucar, E. (2013). Wijma Doğum Beklentisi/Deneyimi Ölçeği B Versiyonu Türkçe uyarlaması ve geçerlilik-güvenilirlik çalışması [Yüksek Lisans Tezi, Hacettepe Üniversitesi].

  • Yılmaz, E., & Oskay, Ü. (2021). Karitane Ebeveyn Kendine Güven Ölçeği'nin Türkçe uyarlaması ve psikometrik değerlendirmesi. Psikiyatri Hemşireliği Dergisi, 12(1), 34-42.

  • Kırca, Ş., Dağlı, H., et al. (2024). Mandala art intervention as a therapy for anxiety in postpartum women: A randomized controlled trial. Women's Mental Health Journal, 18(2), 79-85.

  • Akbulak, F., & Can, R. (2023). Mandala boyamanın ruh sağlığı üzerindeki etkisi: Bir sistematik inceleme. Sanat ve Psikoloji Dergisi, 15(2), 102-117.

  • Amelia, S., Jones, T., & Smith, R. (2020). Art therapy through mandalas: Reducing anxiety and enhancing emotional well-being. Journal of Art Therapy, 26(1), 35-42.

  • Hopewell S, Chan AW, Collins GS, Hrobjartsson A, Moher D, Schulz KF, Tunn R, Aggarwal R, Berkwits M, Berlin JA, Bhandari N, Butcher NJ, Campbell MK, Chidebe RCW, Elbourne D, Farmer A, Fergusson DA, Golub RM, Goodman SN, Hoffmann TC, Ioannidis JPA, Kahan BC, Knowles RL, Lamb SE, Lewis S, Loder E, Offringa M, Ravaud P, Richards DP, Rockhold FW, Schriger DL, Siegfried NL, Staniszewska S, Taylor RS, Thabane L, Torgerson D, Vohra S, White IR, Boutron I. CONSORT 2025 statement: updated guideline for reporting randomised trials. Lancet. 2025 Apr 14:S0140-6736(25)00672-5. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00672-5. Online ahead of print.

    PubMed 40245901

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mandala Coloring and Free Coloring in people with Mother-Infant Bonding, run by Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 9 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Mother-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) (time frame: Immediately after the intervention (Day 1) and post intervention). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07461922, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Mar 2026.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in