A new study has demonstrated that cognitive-behavioural counselling significantly improves the attitudes of childless couples towards childbearing. This research, conducted in Qom, Iran, involved an intervention group receiving a combination of face-to-face and virtual counselling sessions, while a control group received no such intervention. The findings, published in The Open Public Health Journal, reveal a marked positive shift in attitudes among the intervention group, suggesting promising implications for addressing declining birth rates.
Researchers from the Arak University of Medical Sciences conducted the study. The research aimed to explore whether cognitive-behavioural counselling could alter the negative attitudes of childless couples towards having children, given the backdrop of declining birth rates in many countries, including Iran.
The educational trial included 39 couples from health centres in Qom, Iran, divided into two groups. The intervention group of 20 couples participated in 60-minute cognitive-behavioural counselling sessions twice a week for six weeks. These sessions were delivered through a mix of face-to-face meetings and virtual interactions via the Eitaa social application. In contrast, the 19 couples in the control group received no intervention.
Attitudes towards childbearing were assessed using a comprehensive questionnaire at three stages: before the intervention, one month after, and three months post-intervention. The questionnaire covered various aspects, including perceptions of children as essential elements of life, barriers to childbearing, the appropriateness of delaying parenthood, and fertility needs.
The results were striking. The total attitude score in the intervention group improved from 49.25 to 63.85 over three months, crossing into the positive attitude range (more than 50% of the total score). Conversely, the control group’s score only marginally increased from 49.47 to 57.42, remaining in the negative attitude range (less than 50% of the total score). The difference in attitude scores between the two groups was statistically significant, underscoring the effectiveness of the cognitive-behavioural intervention.
This study highlights the potential of cognitive-behavioural counselling to foster positive attitudes towards childbearing among couples. Socioeconomic factors, individual values, and societal norms frequently have an impact on attitude, which is crucial in fertility decisions. The intervention’s success in shifting attitudes suggests that similar approaches could be beneficial in other regions facing declining birth rates.
The cognitive-behavioural approach focuses on altering thought patterns and perceptions, which in turn influence behaviours and emotions. By addressing negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones, this counselling method helps couples reframe their views on childbearing. This is particularly relevant in societies undergoing significant economic and social changes, where traditional attitudes towards childbearing may be in flux.
The findings advocate for incorporating cognitive-behavioural counselling into clinical settings, especially for couples exhibiting negative attitudes towards childbearing. Midwives and healthcare providers can use this method to support couples in making informed and positive decisions about starting a family. This approach not only benefits the couples but could also contribute to addressing broader demographic challenges.
