The effects of childbirth education classes on parental values and health locus of control

The study utilized the Value Survey and the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scales to assess the effect of childbirth education classes on 40 pregnant women and their husbands. Group 1 consisted of 20 pregnant women. Group 2 consisted of the husbands of the Group 1 women. These two experimental groups attended childbirth education classes together. Group 3 consisted of 20 pregnant women and Group 4 consisted of the husbands of the women in Group 3. Groups 3 and 4 served as control groups and did not receive instruction. Groups 1 and 2 were tested at the end of the fifth class period. Groups 3 and 4 were tested during the same time period. A post-test only design was used. A Spearman rank correlation was conducted on the mean rank scores of the Value Survey to determine if significant differences existed between the experimental and control groups. A 2 x 2 multivariate analysis was used to compare the health locus of control scores. No significant differences were found between the experimental and control groups. It was concluded that the 15 hours of childbirth education classes had no effect on parental values and health locus of control.