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Zlotnick C, Manor-Lavon I. Resilience, optimism and posttraumatic growth in first-time mothers. Res Nurs Health 2023; 46:576-590. [PMID: 37670411 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the association between posttraumatic growth (PTG) and two psychological attributes, resilience and optimism, in first-time mothers, after controlling for demographic and motherhood-related characteristics. PTG, the self-examination triggered by life-changing events, contains five factors: (1) relating to others, (2) new possibilities, (3) personal strength, (4) spiritual change, and (5) appreciation of life. Outcomes from studies conflict on whether PTG is associated with the two psychological attributes of resilience (the ability to resume one's life after adversity) and optimism (viewing life in a positive light). This study used a cross-sectional design. A convenience sample of first-time mothers whose infants were between 3 months and 1 year (N = 415) completed questionnaires containing several standardized and reliable instruments including those measuring the independent variables of resilience and optimism, and the dependent variable of PTG. A STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this study. Resilience was associated with overall PTG and four of its five factors. Optimism also was associated with overall PTG but only associated with two of its five factors. PTG profiles and squared semipartial correlations indicated that resilience had the stronger association, compared to optimism, with PTG and most of its factors. Our study's findings on the strong link between resilience and PTG suggest the need for research examining the impact of specific psychosocial nursing activities (e.g., providing emotional support; assisting others to identify their own strengths; encouraging the mobilization of one's internal resources; furnishing needed resources and referrals; and supplying health education and information), as these activities may not only promote resilience but also may contribute to PTG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Zlotnick
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Haifa, Israel
| | - Inbal Manor-Lavon
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, Haifa, Israel
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Lassiter JM, Mims I. "The Awesomeness and the Vastness of Who You Really Are:" A Culturally Distinct Framework for Understanding the Link Between Spirituality and Health for Black Sexual Minority Men. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2022; 61:3076-3097. [PMID: 34138442 PMCID: PMC9314292 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-021-01297-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite health inequities, many Black sexual minority men are resilient and often utilize spirituality as a culturally distinct self-protective and self-enhancing resource to maintain their health. However, little is known about how spirituality impacts health within a cultural framework that is specific to Black sexual minority men. We conducted 10 individual in-depth interviews, reaching code saturation, with Black sexual minority men across the USA. Our study was guided by grounded theory and a Black psychology theoretical framework. Seven themes were discovered and revealed that participants' level of spiritual consciousness influenced their engagement in psychological and behavioral processes that were related to mental and physical health. These themes were: (a) suboptimal worldview, (b) emotional revelation, (c) emotional emancipation, (d) emotional regulation, (e) health motivations, (f) health behaviors, and (g) links between spiritual consciousness, mental health, and physical health. Implications of these findings for clinicians and researchers are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ivie Mims
- Department of Psychology, Muhlenberg College, 2400 W. Chew Street, Allentown, PA, 18104, USA
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The moderating role of resilience resources in the association between stressful life events and symptoms of postpartum depression. J Affect Disord 2021; 293:261-267. [PMID: 34217964 PMCID: PMC8547228 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One in seven women experience postpartum depression, posing a serious public health concern. One of the most robust predictors of elevated postpartum depressive symptoms is major stressful life events that occur during pregnancy. Having greater resilience resources that promote successful adaptation to stressful demands may be protective in the face of stress during pregnancy. The current study tested whether three resilience resources- mastery, dispositional optimism, and spirituality- each predicted early symptoms of postpartum depression and moderated the hypothesized association between experiencing stressful life events during pregnancy and symptoms of postpartum depression. METHODS The sample included 233 women who participated in a prospective longitudinal study from pregnancy through postpartum. Depressive symptoms were assessed at approximately 4 to 8 weeks after birth, whereas resilience resources and stressful life events were measured in pregnancy. Multiple linear regressions were used to test hypotheses. RESULTS Stressful life events predicted greater symptoms of depression postpartum. Mastery and optimism predicted fewer symptoms of depression postpartum. Mastery moderated the association between stressful life events and symptoms of depression when controlling for previous psychiatric history, t(231) = -1.97, p=.0497. LIMITATIONS There was some attrition among study participants across timepoints, which was accounted for in analyses with multiple imputation. CONCLUSIONS These findings point to the protective nature of a mother's sense of mastery in the face of major life stressors during pregnancy and suggest this is an important construct to target in interventions addressing postpartum depression.
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de Lima e Silva LX, MacDonald DA, Simões MP, Ferreira AL, de Lima LSV. Expressions of Spirituality and States of Consciousness in Brazilian Postpartum Mothers: A Convergent Mixed-Methods Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CHILDBIRTH 2020. [DOI: 10.1891/ijcbirth-d-19-00033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSEThe purpose of this study was to examine the how different aspects of the birthing environment were associated with a parturient's states of consciousness, spirituality, and satisfaction with the childbirth experience.DESIGNThe study utilized a convergent mixed methods research design involving both quantitative and qualitative components with convenience sampling. In total, 276 Brazilian postpartum women completed a states of consciousness mini-test and the Expressions of Spirituality Inventory—Revised. A small subsample of women who gave birth in different settings were also interviewed. Quantitative data were examined using descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and analysis of variance and covariance. Qualitative interview data were thematically analyzed.MAJOR FINDINGSHome birth and the absence of a physician were associated with a higher occurrence of favorable non-ordinary states and satisfaction with childbirth. Spiritually-inclusive birth preparation was found to be associated with most spirituality and states of consciousness variables and more than childbirth satisfaction.MAIN CONCLUSIONNon-ordinary states emerged from a parturient's sense of security with their surroundings and from preparation for childbirth. Spiritual experiences were related to pre-existing spiritual beliefs and practices.
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Handelzalts JE, Stringer MK, Menke RA, Muzik M. The Association of Religion and Spirituality with Postpartum Mental Health in Women with Childhood Maltreatment Histories. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2020; 29:502-513. [PMID: 33311967 PMCID: PMC7728403 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-019-01595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Although the associations between religion and spirituality and mental health and trauma have been studied extensively across various populations, relatively few studies have focused on the postpartum period. This study aimed to shed light on specific domains of religiosity and spirituality that may be resiliency factors for positive postpartum adjustment defined as low depression and high quality of life in mothers oversampled for childhood trauma histories. METHODS We examined several religion and spirituality variables among 108 women at 6 months postpartum as well as prospective relations from religion and spirituality to postpartum depression and quality of life at 12 and 15 months postpartum. RESULTS We found that the personal aspects of self-forgiveness and forgiveness for others were most relevant as resiliency factors predicting lower postpartum depression and better quality of life even when controlling for other risks (trauma and demographics). Surprisingly, no other religion and spirituality domain had associations with postpartum depression or quality of life, with the exception of a significant negative association for organizational religiousness with quality of life at 12 months postpartum. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that forgiveness, especially to self and to others, in women who have been physically and mentally hurt as children may be associated with mental wellness and quality of life in the late postpartum period. Further, our results point to the need to study specific religion and spirituality aspects in the context of specific populations and conditions instead of generally studying religion and spirituality as a common marker for coping.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rena A Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Maria Muzik
- Departments of Psychiatry, Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI
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Mastery, self-esteem, and optimism mediate the link between religiousness and spirituality and postpartum depression. J Behav Med 2018; 41:711-721. [DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-9941-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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McLemore MR, Altman MR, Cooper N, Williams S, Rand L, Franck L. Health care experiences of pregnant, birthing and postnatal women of color at risk for preterm birth. Soc Sci Med 2018; 201:127-135. [PMID: 29494846 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2018.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress is a known risk factor for preterm birth, yet little is known about how healthcare experiences add to or mitigate perceived stress. In this study, we described the pregnancy-related healthcare experiences of 54 women of color from Fresno, Oakland, and San Francisco, California, with social and/or medical risk factors for preterm birth. METHODS This study was a secondary analysis of focus group data generated as part of a larger project focused on patient and community involvement in preterm birth research. English and Spanish speaking women, age 18 or greater with social and/or medical risk factors for preterm birth participated in two focus groups, six weeks apart. Data from the first focus groups are included in this analysis. RESULTS Five themes emerged from thematic analysis of the transcripts. Participants described disrespect during healthcare encounters, including experiences of racism and discrimination; stressful interactions with all levels of staff; unmet information needs; and inconsistent social support. Despite these adverse experiences, women felt confidence in parenting and newborn care. Participant recommendations for healthcare systems improvement included: greater attention to birth plans, better communication among multiple healthcare providers, more careful listening to patients during clinical encounters, increased support for social programs such as California's Black Infant Health, and less reliance on past carceral history and/or child protective services involvement. DISCUSSION The women in this study perceived their prenatal healthcare as a largely disrespectful and stressful experience. Our findings add to the growing literature that women of color experience discrimination, racism and disrespect in healthcare encounters and that they believe this affects their health and that of their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica R McLemore
- Family Health Care Nursing Department, University of California, 2 Koret Way, N431H, San Francisco, CA, 94143, United States.
| | - Molly R Altman
- UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative, 3333 California Street, Suite 285, San Francisco, CA, 94118, United States.
| | - Norlissa Cooper
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Health Policy, University of California, 3333 California Street, San Francisco, CA, 94118, United States.
| | - Shanell Williams
- UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative, 3333 California Street, Suite 285, San Francisco, CA, 94118, United States.
| | - Larry Rand
- Marc and Lynne Benioff Endowed Chair in Maternal Fetal Medicine, Director of Perinatal Services, Fetal Treatment Center, University of California, Dept. of Ob/Gyn and Surgery, Divisions of Perinatology and Pediatric Surgery, 550 16th Street, Box #0132, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0132, United States.
| | - Linda Franck
- Department of Family Health Care Nursing, Jack and Elaine Koehn Endowed Chair in Pediatric Nursing, University of California, 2 Koret Way, N411F, Box 0606, San Francisco, CA, 94143, United States.
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Vitorino LM, Chiaradia R, Low G, Cruz JP, Pargament KI, Lucchetti ALG, Lucchetti G. Association of spiritual/religious coping with depressive symptoms in high‐ and low‐risk pregnant women. J Clin Nurs 2017; 27:e635-e642. [DOI: 10.1111/jocn.14113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luciano M Vitorino
- Faculty of Medicine Federal University of Juiz de Fora Juiz de Fora Brazil
| | | | - Gail Low
- Faculty of Nursing University of Alberta Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Jonas Preposi Cruz
- Nursing Department College of Applied Medical Sciences Shaqra University Al Dawadmi, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
- Graduate School Union Christian College San Fernando City La Union Philippines
| | - Kenneth I Pargament
- Department of Psychology Bowling Green State University Bowling Green OH USA
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Baylor College of Medicine Bowling Green State University Bowling Green OH USA
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January J, Mutamba N, Maradzika J. Correlates of postnatal depression among women in Zimbabwean semi-urban and rural settings. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2016.1268299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James January
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe
| | - Namatai Mutamba
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe
| | - Julita Maradzika
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe
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Schetter CD, Saxbe D, Cheadle A, Guardino C. Postpartum Depressive Symptoms Following Consecutive Pregnancies: Stability, Change, and Mechanisms. Clin Psychol Sci 2016; 4:909-918. [PMID: 27833791 DOI: 10.1177/2167702616644894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum depression is a major mental health issue for women and society. We examined stability and change in symptoms of depression over two consecutive pregnancies and tested life stress as a potential mechanism. The Community Child Health Network followed an ethnically/racially diverse sample from one month after a birth for two years. A subset of 228 women had a second birth. Interview measures of depression symptoms (EPDS) and life stress (life events, perceived stress, chronic stress, interpersonal aggression) were obtained during home visits. Three-quarters of the sample showed intra-individual stability in depressive symptoms from one postpartum period to the next, and 24% of the sample had clinically significant symptoms after at least one pregnancy (9% first, 7.5% second, 3.5% both). Each of the four life stressors significantly mediated the association between depressive symptoms across two postpartum periods. Stress between pregnancies for women may be an important mechanism perpetuating postpartum depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darby Saxbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California
| | - Alyssa Cheadle
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles
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Shippee TP, Rowan K, Sivagnanam K, Oakes JM. Examining the Impact of Maternal Health, Race, and Socioeconomic Status on Daughter's Self-Rated Health Over Three Decades. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2015; 81:155-75. [PMID: 26668178 DOI: 10.1177/0091415015617482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the role of mother's health and socioeconomic status on daughter's self-rated health using data spanning three decades from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Mature Women and Young Women (N = 1,848 matched mother-daughter pairs; 1,201 White and 647 African American). Using nested growth curve models, we investigated whether mother's self-rated health affected the daughter's self-rated health and whether socioeconomic status mediated this relationship. Mother's health significantly influenced daughters' self-rated health, but the findings were mediated by mother's socioeconomic status. African American daughters reported lower self-rated health and experienced more decline over time compared with White daughters, accounting for mother's and daughter's covariates. Our findings reveal maternal health and resources as a significant predictor of daughters' self-rated health and confirm the role of socioeconomic status and racial disparities over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana P Shippee
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
| | | | - Kamesh Sivagnanam
- Department of Internal Medicine, East Tennessee State University, TN, USA
| | - J Michael Oakes
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Minnesota, MN, USA
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