The effect of endorphin massage on reducing anxiety levels during the first stage of labor

Authors

Didin Prasetya Cahyaningsih Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institut Teknologi Sains dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen, Indonesia
Rifzul Maulina Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Health Sciences, Institut Teknologi Sains dan Kesehatan RS dr. Soepraoen, Indonesia

Keywords:

anxiety, endorphin massage, labor, maternal health, non-pharmacological intervention

Abstract

Anxiety during the first stage of labor is a common psychological response that may negatively affect maternal comfort, labor progression, and childbirth outcomes. Non-pharmacological interventions such as endorphin massage have been increasingly utilized to reduce maternal anxiety by stimulating relaxation and endorphin release. This study aimed to determine the effect of endorphin massage on anxiety levels among mothers during the first stage of labor at TPMB Diah Ulul, Probolinggo City. This study employed a quantitative pre-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest approach. A total of 25 mothers in the first stage of labor were recruited using total sampling techniques. Anxiety levels were measured before and after the intervention using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). The intervention consisted of endorphin massage administered for approximately 20–30 minutes during labor. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests with a significance level of p < 0.05. The results demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in maternal anxiety levels following the intervention (t = 19.5; p < 0.001). The mean anxiety score decreased from 29.9 before the intervention to 13.9 after the intervention, indicating a substantial improvement in maternal psychological comfort. These findings suggest that endorphin massage is an effective complementary non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety during labor. Integrating endorphin massage into routine maternity care may contribute to more holistic, supportive, and patient-centered childbirth services.

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