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Post-traumatic growth in women after childbirth

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 18:33 authored by Alexandra Sawyer, Susan Ayers
Childbirth is a complex event that leads to a variety of psychological outcomes. This cross-sectional study examined post-traumatic growth in women following childbirth (N = 219) using an online questionnaire, and explored associations between growth, support and control during birth, coping after birth and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At least moderate degrees of growth were reported by 50.2% of women and average levels of growth were similar to those reported following accidents and assaults. Growth was positively related to approach coping and the avoidant strategy of seeking alternative rewards, but was unrelated to support and control during birth, other avoidant coping strategies after birth, and PTSD symptoms. It is concluded that growth does occur following childbirth. Further research is needed to clarify factors associated with growth in women following childbirth and to determine if growth is associated with psychological benefits in this population.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Psychology and Health

ISSN

0887-0446

Issue

4

Volume

24

Page range

457-471

Department affiliated with

  • Psychology Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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