Adaptation and resiliency in Swedish families

Abstract

A longitudinal research project began in 1993 of Norwegian, Swedish and American mothers' perception of her family's dynamics and adaptation during childbearing and childrearing. Results indicated that Swedish mothers adapted better than other mothers. In 2003, a mixed design study was conducted with original Swedish mothers that aimed to describe the experience of motherhood, the meaning mothers attached to events in their lives that made adaptation necessary, and ways in which they achieved adaptation. Fourteen mothers completed quantitative instruments and 13 of those mothers were interviewed. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed and analysed for themes using a protocol based on a model of family resiliency. Quantitative findings revealed statistically significant findings in areas of children, mother's work outside the home and families in which a major illness had occurred. Qualitative findings revealed that protective factors far outweighed vulnerability and risk factors. Mothers' satisfaction with life manifested itself in love of home, contentment with employment, fulfillment from an active and healthy life and support from a society that provides a wide range of social benefits for the family. Vulnerability occurred primarily when mothers were tired, lacked personal time or someone in the family was experiencing a serious illness. Results of this study enhance the scholarly scientific knowledge about the uniqueness of Swedish mothers, and increased understanding of family dynamics and adaptation. Many of the findings relate in some way to overall social benefits and supports available for families.

Family Health Conversations have Positive Outcomes on Families - A Mixed Method Research Study

“…The families’ capability for resilience in a changed life situation in this study was favoured by positive beliefs, family roles, family function, and communicative problem-solving abilities [60]. Similar to Walsh [61], we interpreted the results and identified three components that support our theoretical assumption and form family resilience: belief systems, organizational patterns, and communication processes.…”

Association between fear of childbirth and maternal acceptance of pregnancy

“…), educational level (Lederman & Weis ), whether or not the pregnancy was planned (Visger ), employment status (Kiehl et al. ), level of income (Lederman & Weis ) and social characteristics such as social support (Choi ; Mercer ; Serçekuş & Mete ) and family or spouse support (Lederman & Weis ). A study conducted in Turkey found that women who were highly educated, were employed, had a planned pregnancy, had knowledge about the pregnancy process, had a high income level and had social security adapted to pregnancy and IMR better than those who did not (Demirbaş & Kadıoğlu ).…”

“…Various factors may influence adaptation to pregnancy and the motherhood role in pregnant women (Lederman & Weis 2009; Serc ßekus ß & Mete 2010a). These factors include mother's characteristics, such as age (Emmanuel et al 2008), educational level (Lederman & Weis 2009), whether or not the pregnancy was planned (Visger 2013), employment status (Kiehl et al 2007), level of income (Lederman & Weis 2009) and social characteristics such as social support (Choi 2012;Mercer 2004; Serc ßekus ß & Mete 2010a) and family or spouse support (Lederman & Weis 2009). A study conducted in Turkey found that women who were highly educated, were employed, had a planned pregnancy, had knowledge about the pregnancy process, had a high income level and had social security adapted to pregnancy and IMR better than those who did not (Demirbas ß & Kadıo glu 2014).…”

“…This, in turn, may result in insufficient nutrition during the pregnancy as well as problems regarding the attachment process between the mother and the foetus. During the post-partum period, this situation may also cause negative interactions between the mother and the baby, as well as poor self-confidence, reduced life satisfaction and even post-partum depression in the mother (Kiehl et al 2007;Lederman & Weis 2009; Serc ßekus ß & Mete 2010a). Thus, as reported in literature, women with difficulty accepting pregnancy have a harder time adapting to pregnancy and motherhood in addition to experiencing more fears related to childbirth (Lederman & Weis 2009).…”

The Effects of Pregnancy-Adaptation Training on Maternal-Fetal Attachment and Adaptation in Pregnant Women With a History of Baby Loss

“…According to Kiehl et al women’s adaptation to motherhood roles during pregnancy positively affects their self-confidence and life satisfaction in the postpartum period (2). A mother’s adaptation to pregnancy occurs through several stages, helping not only the mother to accept the pregnancy and its roles (3), but also strengthening the maternal-fetal attachment, which is important during both during pregnancy and in the postpartum period (4).…”