Changing (time) perspective on stress: The effectiveness of using the Time App application for strengthening balanced time perspective in relieving postpartum stress

Severe postpartum stress has a devastating effect on both the woman and newborn. This study evaluated the efficacy of an 8-week intervention (the Time App) aimed to strengthen balanced time perspective (BTP) on stress after a cesarean section. Women ( N = 60) were randomly assigned to either a Time App intervention group or a waitlist control group. They completed the Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, and Numerical Rating Scale to assess pain at baseline (on the second day after delivery). Post-treatment (8 weeks after delivery), they completed the Perceived Stress Scale. Results demonstrated that baseline stress moderated the intervention's effect. Relative to the control participants, the Time App group participants entering the study with higher levels of stress showed a significant decrease in stress 8 weeks after delivery. Moreover, women from the intervention group with a very low level of stress on the second day after delivery were characterized by a higher level of stress 8 weeks after delivery, compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that BTP training in the form of the Time App may be an effective way to alleviate severe stress and reach an optimal, moderate level of stress.