Parents' coping in the neonatal intensive care unit: a theoretical framework.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Neonatal Care
• Family Studies

Background:

• The transactional model of stress and coping by Lazarus and colleagues is a key framework for understanding parental coping in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• This model emphasizes the cognitive system's role in interpreting stressors and influencing coping responses.
• Parental coping is multifaceted, influenced by cognitive appraisals, gender, personality, and social support availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the coping strategies employed by parents of preterm infants in the NICU.
• To examine the influence of cognitive appraisal, gender differences, personality traits, and social support on parental coping.
• To consider implications for NICU interdisciplinary teams in supporting these families.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual framework: Transactional model of stress and coping.
• Key factors examined: Cognitive appraisal (primary and secondary), gender, personality traits, perceived and actual social support.
• Focus population: Parents of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units.

Main Results:

• Cognitive appraisal (primary and secondary) is central to how parents make sense of NICU experiences.
• Gender differences exist in coping strategy utilization between mothers and fathers of preterm infants.
• Personality traits and social support significantly impact parental coping efforts.

Conclusions:

• Parental coping in the NICU is complex and influenced by individual cognitive processes and external factors.
• Recognizing gender-specific coping patterns can enhance support strategies.
• Interdisciplinary NICU teams should consider a holistic approach, addressing cognitive, social, and personal factors to support parents effectively.