This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated NICU-based interventions to support parent mental health (anxiety, depression, stress, and trauma symptoms) across 160 studies with 16,639 parents published between 2010 and December 2024.
Psychotherapy/emotional support showed the largest reduction in anxiety (Hedges g −1.66; 95% CI −1.97 to −1.34) and depression (Hedges g −0.95); family-centered care and education significantly reduced both anxiety (g −1.49) and stress (g −0.75); bonding interventions reduced anxiety (g −0.90); and meditation/holistic approaches reduced stress (g −0.65).
93.5% of included parents were female, limiting generalizability to fathers and non-binary caregivers. High heterogeneity is likely across 160 studies with varied designs. Only studies reporting pre/post means, SDs, and a control group were eligible for meta-analysis (85 of 160 estimates), which may introduce selection bias.
NICUs should prioritize implementing psychotherapy and emotional support programs, which show the most consistent benefits across all mental health outcomes. Family-centered care and education interventions are also effective and require fewer additional resources, making them practical starting points.
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