Relationship dynamics: the protective effect of relationship satisfaction and dependency on parents’ mental health after having a preterm baby

Abstract

health psychology report •  original article backgroundHaving a premature infant who is hospitalized with the risk of death and potential health problems is a traumatic experience for many parents. The present study investigated the depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) experienced by couples after the premature birth of their babies in terms of their relationship dynamics. participants and procedureThe study was conducted on 209 individuals -159 mothers (76.1%) and 50 fathers (23.9%) -who had premature babies born at or before 32 weeks of gestation. The participants completed the Relationship Assessment Scale, Emotional Dependency Scale, Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale, and a sociodemographic form. For interpretation of the data, intervariable relationships were analyzed using the Pearson correlation coefficient, and the mediation models were analyzed by the regression-based bootstrapping technique using the PROCESS Macro.

How does stress affect maternal and paternal perceptions of relationship strain after a preterm birth? Results of a retrospective survey study

“…Although no dyadic analysis could be performed due to anonymous participation and we could not analyse spill over effects, our study suggests that stress might impact the dyad, which seems to be consistent with previous research findings 10,27 . In this context, it is all the more vital to underscore the effects of relationship satisfaction on perinatal depression and feelings of anxiety 28 . Therefore, our findings, while preliminary, support paying greater attention to the topic of couple relationships after a premature birth.…”

“…10,27 In this context, it is all the more vital to underscore the effects of relationship satisfaction on perinatal depression and feelings of anxiety. 28 Therefore, our findings, while preliminary, support paying greater attention to the topic of couple relationships after a premature birth. Targeting individual mental health early and being aware of relationship strain in couples after a premature birth can prevent later relationship distress and therefore add to parental well-being.…”

“…7 Awareness regarding these relationship dynamics and the pertinence of relationship satisfaction is also the basis for raising healthcare professionals' sensitivity to the issue and encouraging stress prevention programmes tailored for the NICU environment. In this respect, Okay et al 28 have already emphasised the relevance of healthcare professionals observing stress factors and couples' dynamics in order to recognise those in risk to guide them towards psychological support. These results could be a stepping stone towards viewing parents as a unit, rather than just as individuals, in their shared challenge to manage the situation in the NICU.…”

Editorial: Reproductive health and well-being from a life span perspective

“…Childbirth can be considered as one of the most important events in a woman's life (Okay and Yavuz Güler, 2021;Shorey and Wong, 2022). However, negative birth experiences can also cause psychological trauma to women (Fenech and Thomson, 2015;Shorey and Wong, 2022;Chrzan-Dętkoś and Murawska, 2023;Sun et al).…”