What the study found
The study found that medium-warm white light during a non-stress test (NST, a fetal monitoring test) was associated with lower stress and anxiety and higher psychological well-being in high-risk pregnant women.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that using light color temperature during the NST may help reduce stress and anxiety and improve psychological well-being in high-risk pregnant women.
What the researchers tested
The researchers conducted a randomized controlled experimental study with 100 high-risk pregnant women. They measured psychological well-being, anxiety, and perceived stress using the Psychological Well-Being Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Perceived Stress Scale, and the intervention group received the NST after the light color temperature was adjusted to medium-warm white.
What worked and what didn't
In the intervention group, perceived stress scores decreased, psychological well-being scores increased, and anxiety scores decreased from pre-test to post-test, with statistical significance reported for all three measures. In the control group, changes in anxiety and psychological well-being were statistically significant, while perceived stress did not change significantly.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not describe detailed limitations beyond the trial context. The findings are reported for high-risk pregnant women undergoing an NST, so the summary does not establish effects outside that setting.
Key points
- The study involved 100 high-risk pregnant women undergoing a non-stress test.
- Medium-warm white light during the NST was linked with lower stress and anxiety in the intervention group.
- Psychological well-being increased in the intervention group after the test.
- The control group did not show a significant change in perceived stress.
- The trial was registered as NCT06736873.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Medium-warm white light reduced stress and anxiety during NST
- Authors:
- Emine Yıldırım, Filiz Polat
- Institutions:
- Osmaniye Korkut Ata University, Osmaniye Korkut Ata University
- Publication date:
- 2026-02-24
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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