Emotional well being during college pregnancy: incidence of psychological disorders and alternative therapeutic resources
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/ihs.v1.i2.20Keywords:
perinatal anxiety, pregnancy-related depression, university students, alternative therapies.Abstract
This study addresses the incidence of anxiety and depression in pregnant university students, specifically those enrolled in the Nursing program at the Technical University of Ambato. Using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological-narrative design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a sample of ten participants selected through snowball sampling. The aim was to understand their emotional experiences during pregnancy and explore their awareness and use of alternative therapies as psychological support tools. The findings reveal a high prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms linked to academic pressure, lack of family and social support, fear of the future, and the absence of professional guidance. Most students had not received information about therapeutic alternatives for emotional management, although they showed openness to their implementation. It was observed that support from partners and family positively influences the perception of pregnancy, while its absence exacerbates psychological distress. The urgent need to implement institutional programs for emotional support and prenatal education within university settings was also identified. The data collected allowed for a deeper understanding of the emotional complexity faced by pregnant students in academic contexts, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive, preventive, and humanized approach. This study proposes strengthening maternal mental health through intervention strategies that include complementary therapies and safe spaces for emotional expression within higher education institutions.References
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