[For or against peridural analgesia?: a psychological approach based on the parturient's needs]

The present study investigates why some women, before and during delivering, request peridural analgesia or, on the contrary, refuse it. On the basis of a literature review and of an empiricial study involving 57 women, a psychological differentiation is attempted to discriminate users from non-users of peridural analgesia. Pain perceptions, health locus of control, when internal (IHLC), family and couple adaptability appear to be discriminating factors. Our results indicate a higher chance locus of control (externality) in non-users then in users, as well as a more rigid couple functioning. The incidence of Internal Health Locus of Control of pain perception is outlined.