title: A comparative study of the effects of problem-solving skills training and relaxation on the score of self-esteem in women with postpartum depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Self-esteem is a determinant factor of mental health. Individuals with low self-esteem have depression, and low self-esteem is one of main symptoms of depression. Aim of this study is to compare the effects of problem-solving skills and relaxation on the score of self-esteem in women with postpartum depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  This clinical trial was performed on 80 women. Sampling was done in Mashhad healthy centers from December 2009 to June 2010. Women were randomly divided and assigned to problem-solving skills (n = 26), relaxation (n = 26), and control groups (n = 28). Interventions were implemented for 6 weeks and the subjects again completed Eysenck self-esteem scale 9 weeks after delivery. Data analysis was done by descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test by SPSS software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings showed that the mean of self-esteem scale scores was 117.9 ± 9.7 after intervention in the problem-solving group, 117.0 ± 11.8 in the relaxation group, and 113.5 ± 10.4 in the control group and there was significant difference between the groups of relaxation and problem solving, and also between intervention groups and control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to the results, problem-solving skills and relaxation can be used to prevent and recover from postpartum depression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran and Instructor of Midwifery of Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Iran.
authors.forename: Saeideh
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nasiri
authors.affiliation: Department of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Masoumeh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kordi
authors.affiliation: Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
authors.forename: Morteza Modares
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Gharavi
keywords: Postpartum depression; problem-solving skills training; relaxation; self-esteem