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. materials and 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 fi ndings 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 signifi cant 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.