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Shen Q, Fu Q, Mao C. Network analysis of posttraumatic stress and posttraumatic growth symptoms among women in subsequent pregnancies following pregnancy loss. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:266. [PMID: 38594684 PMCID: PMC11003179 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05702-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pregnant women who have undergone pregnancy loss often display both posttraumatic stress (PTS) and posttraumatic growth (PTG). However, the precise relationship and structure of symptomatic levels of PTS and PTG have not been well understood. This study aimed to assess the associations between PTS and PTG symptoms in women during subsequent pregnancies following a previous pregnancy loss. METHODS A total of 406 pregnant women with a history of pregnancy loss were included in this study. The Impact of Events Scale-6 (IES-6) and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF) were used to assess symptoms of PTS and PTG, respectively. The Graphical Gaussian Model was employed to estimate the network model. Central symptoms and bridge symptoms were identified based on "expected influence" and "bridge expected influence" indices, respectively. The stability and accuracy of the network were examined using the case-dropping procedure and nonparametric bootstrapped procedure. RESULTS The network analysis identified PTG3 ("Ability to do better things") as the most central symptom, followed by PTS3 ("Avoidance of thoughts") and PTG6 ("New path for life") in the sample. Additionally, PTS3 ("Avoidance of thoughts") and PTG9 ("Perception of greater personal strength") were bridge symptoms linking PTS and PTG clusters. The network structure was robust in stability and accuracy tests. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting the central symptoms identified, along with key bridge symptoms, have the potential to alleviate the severity of PTS experienced by women with a history of pregnancy loss and promote their personal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoqiao Shen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- School of Nursing, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qi Fu
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chen Mao
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Yilmaz N, Kiliç M. The Relationship of the Traumatic Birth Perception of Women with Birth Memories and Recall. Niger J Clin Pract 2024; 27:424-429. [PMID: 38679762 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_163_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A traumatic childbirth experience can have both short- and long-term health and well-being consequences for the woman and her family. If a woman experiences traumatic childbirth and retains negative memories for a long time, this may impact her future childbirth experience, mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding problems, and her relationship with other family members. AIM The research was conducted to evaluate the relationship between women's traumatic birth perception and birth memory and recall. MATERIAL AND METHOD This descriptive study was conducted at Erzurum Research Hospital between August 16 and October 2021. Two hundred sixty women who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study sample. The personal information protocol, "Traumatic Childbirth Perception Scale," and "Birth Memories and Recall Questionnaire" were used to collect data. RESULTS The participants' mean age was 30.13 ± 5.85, and 43.4% had their first birth. Of the participants, 45% had one living child, 72.9% had a planned pregnancy, and 62.8% had a normal birth. Whereas more than a third of women in the study perceived childbirth and childbirth processes as moderately traumatic, another third had a high and very high perception. The birth memories and recall mean scores of the mothers within the scope of the study were 81.09 ± 22.69. According to the study results, it was determined that women's birth memories and recall were negatively affected as their traumatic childbirth perceptions increased. CONCLUSION It is possible to reduce traumatic childbirth perception with the continuous care and support provided by midwives during childbirth. Improving women's traumatic childbirth perception will also positively impact women's long-term memories of childbirth experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nnk Yilmaz
- Erzurum Provincial Health Directorate, Yakutiye District Health Directorate, Midwife, Turkey
| | - M Kiliç
- Department of Midwifery, Facultiy of Health Science, Ataturk University, Erzurum, Turkey
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Benyamini Y, Delicate A, Ayers S, Dikmen-Yildiz P, Gouni O, Jonsdottir SS, Karlsdottir SI, Kömürcü Akik B, Leinweber J, Murphy-Tighe S, Pajalic Z, Riklikiene O, Limmer CM. Key dimensions of women's and their partners' experiences of childbirth: A systematic review of reviews of qualitative studies. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299151. [PMID: 38551936 PMCID: PMC10980232 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The World Health Organization 2018 intrapartum guideline for a positive birth experience emphasized the importance of maternal emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the need for safe childbirth. Today, in many countries birth is safe, yet many women report negative and traumatic birth experiences, with adverse effects on their and their families' well-being. Many reviews have attempted to understand the complexity of women's and their partners' birth experience; however, it remains unclear what the key dimensions of the birth experience are. OBJECTIVE To synthesize the information from reviews of qualitative studies on the experience of childbirth in order to identify key dimensions of women's and their partners' childbirth experience. METHODS Systematic database searches yielded 40 reviews, focusing either on general samples or on specific modes of birth or populations, altogether covering primary studies from over 35,000 women (and >1000 partners) in 81 countries. We appraised the reviews' quality, extracted data and analysed it using thematic analysis. FINDINGS Four key dimensions of women's and partners' birth experience (covering ten subthemes), were identified: 1) Perceptions, including attitudes and beliefs; 2) Physical aspects, including birth environment and pain; 3) Emotional challenges; and 4) Relationships, with birth companions and interactions with healthcare professionals. In contrast with the comprehensive picture that arises from our synthesis, most reviews attended to only one or two of these dimensions. CONCLUSIONS The identified key dimensions bring to light the complexity and multidimensionality of the birth experience. Within each dimension, pathways leading towards negative and traumatic birth experiences as well as pathways leading to positive experiences become tangible. Identifying key dimensions of the birth experience may help inform education and research in the field of birth experiences and gives guidance to practitioners and policy makers on how to promote positive birth experiences for women and their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Benyamini
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amy Delicate
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City, University of London, London United Kingdom
| | - Susan Ayers
- Centre for Maternal and Child Health Research, City, University of London, London United Kingdom
| | - Pelin Dikmen-Yildiz
- Department of Psychology, Fen—Edebiyat Fakültesi, Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Kirklareli University, Kırklareli, Turkey
| | - Olga Gouni
- Cosmoanelixis, Prenatal & Life Sciences Educational Organization, Nea Ionia, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Burcu Kömürcü Akik
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and History-Geography, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Julia Leinweber
- Institute of Midwifery, Charité University of Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sylvia Murphy-Tighe
- Department of Nursing & Midwifery, Health Sciences Building, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Olga Riklikiene
- Faculty of Nursing, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Claudia Maria Limmer
- Department of Nursing and Management, Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
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Chee RM, Capper TS, Muurlink OT. Social media influencers' impact during pregnancy and parenting: A qualitative descriptive study. Res Nurs Health 2024; 47:7-16. [PMID: 37845594 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant people and parents engage with social media networking sites seeking support and information that is shared in a relatable way. Engaging with social media influencers (SMIs) and their followers, however, may have both affirming and harmful effects. SMIs can facilitate information-sharing, discussion, and supportive behaviors, but engaging with SMIs can lead to negative experiences and exposure to misinformation. To date, little is known about the impacts of following influencers during pregnancy and early parenthood. The aim of this study was to explore how engaging with SMIs impacts pregnant people and parents of children aged 5 or under in Australia. A qualitative descriptive approach was taken. Qualitative data from 85 anonymously completed online written surveys were thematically analyzed using Braun & Clarke's six-step process. Five overarching themes and two subthemes were identified. The first theme, "Comparisons of self," held two subthemes: "Unfavorable comparisons of self to SMIs" and "Favorable comparisons of self to SMIs." Additional themes were "A virtual community of inspiration and togetherness," "Sharing of information, opinions & experiences," "Gatekeeping self-efficacy," and "Credibility." The findings of the study indicated that discordance between influencer-mediated expectations of parenthood and a person's actual experience may affect well-being and perceptions of parental self-efficacy. Information sought from influencers may substitute for face-to-face education by clinicians. Health professionals who are also influencers may possess the ability to provide evidence-based information. This content, however, is not without risk for bias or incompleteness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachelle M Chee
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tanya S Capper
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Sciences, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Olav T Muurlink
- School of Business & Law, CQUniversity Australia, Brisbane, Australia
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Zeng T, Jiang L, Zhang K, Wu M, Zhu Z, Hu Z. The influence of sense of coherence on psychological birth trauma: a parallel mediation model based on health Salutogenesis theory. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1320132. [PMID: 38250100 PMCID: PMC10797134 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1320132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological birth trauma has been associated with a variety of negative consequences for mothers, partners, newborns, and midwives. While prior research has identified demographic and clinical factors that may contribute to the development of psychological birth trauma, interventions targeting these factors can prove challenging. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore how psychological birth trauma is influenced by psychosocial factors including Sense of Coherence, Childbirth-related Fear, Social Support and Childbirth Readiness. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 tertiary or secondary hospitals in mainland China from November 2021 to June 2022. One thousand three hundred and sixty-six women were recruited totally. Data regarding basic characteristics, Sense of Coherence (SOC, Sense of Coherence Scale-3), Childbirth-related Fear (CBRF, Fear of Childbirth Scale), Social Support (SS, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey), Childbirth Readiness (CR, Childbirth Readiness Scale) and Psychological Birth Trauma (PBT, Psychological Birth Trauma Scale) were collected. Parallel mediation analysis was adopted to identify the underlying mechanisms between study variables. Results It was found that: (1) SOC has been found to have both direct and indirect effects on PBT. Women with higher level of SOC tend to report lower level of PBT; (2) the indirect effect of SOC on PBT was significantly exerted through CBRF, SS and CR; (3) CBRF was found to weaken the protective effect of SOC, whereas SS and CR were found to enhance it. No significant difference was found in contracts of the three specific indirect effects. Conclusion SOC, CBRF, SS, and CR should be paid enough attention when designing intervention programs for women who might experience PBT. Interventions targeting SOC and CR are more likely to yield positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tieying Zeng
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingjun Jiang
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meiliyang Wu
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zining Zhu
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenjing Hu
- Department of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lutkiewicz K, Bieleninik Ł, Kaloeti DVS, Bidzan M. Editorial: Reproductive health and well-being from a life span perspective. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1289603. [PMID: 37965669 PMCID: PMC10640996 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1289603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Lutkiewicz
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Łucja Bieleninik
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
- GAMUT-The Grieg Academy Music Therapy Research Centre, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Mariola Bidzan
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Health, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Sun X, Fan X, Cong S, Wang R, Feng J, Sha L, Xie H, Han J, Zhu Z, Zhang A. Effect of psychological interventions on mental health, personal relationships and quality of life of women who have subjectively experienced traumatic childbirth. J Affect Disord 2023; 339:706-716. [PMID: 37467798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No targeted review has assessed the effect of psychological interventions on the mental health, personal relationships, and the quality of life of women who have subjectively experienced traumatic childbirth. METHODS Eight databases were searched from inception to January 2023. Study selection, data extraction, quality appraisal, and data analysis were conducted by two researchers independently. RESULTS In total, eight studies were included. The results indicated that psychological interventions could effectively alleviate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, depression, and anxiety in women who have subjectively experienced traumatic childbirth. The interventions were more effective in alleviating PTSD symptoms than depression or anxiety. The subgroup analysis results showed that the effect of multiple sessions might be better than that of a single session. There was insufficient evidence supporting the effect of psychological interventions to improve personal relationships and the quality of life. LIMITATIONS Study limitations included the small number of studies included for meta-analysis, substantial heterogeneity, and the retrieval of only studies written in English or Chinese. CONCLUSIONS Psychological intervention is a promising method for the mental health of women who have subjectively experienced traumatic childbirth, but more studies are needed to confirm the effects. More studies are also required to explore the impact of psychological interventions on personal relationships and the quality of life. Future studies should focus on comparing which specific type of psychological intervention is most effective. Additional investigations should include the potential adverse effects and long-term effects of psychological interventions and details, such as content, process, and timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Sun
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China; Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuemei Fan
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengnan Cong
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingyi Feng
- Department of Faculty of Science, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Lijuan Sha
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyan Xie
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- School of Nursing, Suzhou University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Jiangsu, China.
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Shorey S, Downe S, Chua JYX, Byrne SO, Fobelets M, Lalor JG. Effectiveness of Psychological Interventions to Improve the Mental Well-Being of Parents Who Have Experienced Traumatic Childbirth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:1238-1253. [PMID: 34894877 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Considering the adverse impact that traumatic childbirth experiences can have on parental mental well-being, studies that have investigated the potential of providing postnatal psychological support for this group of parents require evaluation. This systematic review aimed to examine the effectiveness of psychological interventions at improving the mental well-being of parents who have experienced traumatic childbirth in terms of anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Seven electronic databases were searched from their respective inception dates up to January 2021. Only quantitative studies that reported the effects of psychological interventions on anxiety, depression, fear of childbirth, and/or PTSD symptoms in selective (at risk of traumatic childbirth experience) or indicated (self-defined childbirth experience as traumatic for any reason) populations of parents (mothers and/or fathers) were included. Eight studies were included and meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effect model. All studies were conducted on mothers only, and one study had minimal father involvement. Results showed that psychological interventions were more effective in reducing fear of childbirth and improving PTSD symptoms compared to anxiety and depression. Greater improvement in depression was reported at 3-8 weeks' follow-up than at immediate post-intervention. Subgroup analyses showed that technology-based interventions were feasible, and indicated interventions were more effective than selective interventions. Conducting future interventions in more geographical regions, engaging and including fathers more actively, incorporating both personalized professional therapy and informal peer support, striving for flexibility and convenience, as well as addressing topics on self-doubt and coping skills can improve current interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shefaly Shorey
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | - Soo Downe
- School of Community Health and Midwifery, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Joelle Yan Xin Chua
- Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, Clinical Research Centre, Singapore
| | | | - Maaike Fobelets
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Department of Public Health Sciences, Biostatistics and Medical Informatics (BISI) Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Department Health Care, Knowledge Centre Brussels Integrated Care, Erasmus University College Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
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Beck CT. Lexicon of Metaphors: An Innovative Approach to Detect the Aftermath of Traumatic Childbirth. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:366-372. [PMID: 37075320 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2195499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
An innovative approach to help mental health providers identify individuals who may be struggling with the aftermath of birth trauma is to become vigilant in listening for metaphors women may use to describe how they have been feeling. Metaphors can provide a safe bridge for individuals to share and work through painful and challenging feelings. This lexicon of metaphors has four sections: impact birth trauma had on breastfeeding, impaired mother-infant interaction, anniversary of birth trauma, and subsequent childbirth. Examples of these metaphors include empty affair, head in a vise, short fuze, severed ties, great pretender, and mental baggage.
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Sun X, Fan X, Cong S, Wang R, Sha L, Xie H, Han J, Zhu Z, Zhang A. Psychological birth trauma: A concept analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1065612. [PMID: 36710822 PMCID: PMC9880163 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1065612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim To define and analyze the concept of psychological birth trauma. Design The concept analysis method of Walker and Avant was used. Method Eight databases (PubMed, CINAHL Complete, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP Information Chinese Journal Service Platform, and Chinese BioMedicine Literature Database) were searched from inception to July 2022 for studies focused on psychological birth trauma. Results Of the 5,372 studies identified, 44 ultimately met the inclusion criteria. The attributes identified were (1) women's subjective feelings, (2) intertwined painful emotional experiences, (3) originating in the birth process, and (4) lasting until postpartum. Antecedents were divided into two groups: pre-existing antecedents and birth-related antecedents. Consequences were identified as negative and positive. Conclusion Psychological birth trauma is a more complex and comprehensive concept than previously thought, and should be regarded as a separate postpartum mental health problem. This study deepens the understanding of psychological birth trauma through a comprehensive concept analysis and also puts forward some suggestions for the prevention, identification, and intervention of psychological birth trauma, which provides a basis for assisting in the identification of psychological birth trauma and provides a reference for the development of rigorous assessment tools and the design of appropriate interventions in the future. Further research is needed to update and refine this concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Sun
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuemei Fan
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengnan Cong
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijuan Sha
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongyan Xie
- School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Han
- School of Nursing, Suzhou University, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhu Zhu
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Jiangsu, China,*Correspondence: Zhu Zhu,
| | - Aixia Zhang
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Jiangsu, China,Aixia Zhang,
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Værland IE. Existential challenges due to severe pre-eclampsia when becoming parents. Midwifery 2021; 97:102967. [PMID: 33721573 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2021.102967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To deepen the understanding of parents' existential challenges and experiences when having a premature infant due to the mother's pre-eclampsia. DESIGN Two empirical studies based on reflective lifeworld research (RLR), were conducted to investigate parents' experiences of having a premature infant due to mother's pre-eclampsia. A further abstraction was possible. The two essences were synthesised into a general structure. Then, a philosophical examination of the existential issues was done using Karl Jaspers' concept of limit situation and health theory outlined by Dahlberg and Segesten. SETTING Maternity ward and neonatal intensive care unit. PARTICIPANTS Nine mothers and six fathers. FINDINGS The findings revealed the experiences of a vulnerable group of parents in the maternity ward and in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The parents faced a paradoxical experience. They experienced mothers' severe illness and in some cases accompanied by the possibility of death, at the same time they experienced the joy of becoming parents. The premature birth and the mother's severe symptoms revealed the intertwinement of biological and existential features. Pre-eclampsia restricted the mothers from fulfilling the major project in their lives: to become real mothers. These experiences were elucidated by the concept of limit situations as suffering, struggle, death, and paradoxes of life as well as the health theory with its biological and existential dimensions. KEY CONCLUSION Some parents experienced closeness to death and the beginning of life as almost intertwined. These two fundamental facets of life are connected to existential features and challenges. The study also underlined the antinomies of life; suffering and facing severe illness that could cost both the mother's and infant's lives, and at the same time feeling the happiness of becoming parents. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Health professionals should know how these experiences affect parents. They should be sensitive when approaching mothers and fathers in such situations. The families' vulnerability must be considered within the physical space of health services. If the parents needs to talk, time and staff should be available to meet their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inger Emilie Værland
- Nursing and Health Care Research Group, Stavanger University Hospital, Postboks 8100, 4068 Stavanger, Norway.
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