Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Using Chronic Social Stress to Model Postpartum Depression in Lactating Rodents
Published on: June 10, 2013
A model of parenting stress
1School of Nursing, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298.
A preliminary theoretical model of parenting stress was tested. The additive effects of a series of stresses, namely, stressful pregnancy, stress of labor and delivery, and the stress of parenting were examined in a causal model of parenting stress. Factors theoretically expected to be protective in stressful circumstances, like, personality strength, prior experience, age, education, and social support, were predicted to be negatively related to stress. Data from 101 mothers whose infants were 6 weeks old were analyzed using path analysis. The data fit the model and explained 41% of the variance in parenting stress. The empirical model showed significant paths from prior experience and social support to the stress of pregnancy. The mother's education was the only significant variable in the pathway to labor and delivery stress and it was positively related to stress. Paths to parenting stress existed from personality and from pregnancy stress, but not from labor and delivery stress or any of the other variables.
A preliminary theoretical model of parenting stress was tested. The additive effects of a series of stresses, namely, stressful pregnancy, stress of labor and delivery, and the stress of parenting were examined in a causal model of parenting stress. Factors theoretically expected to be protective in stressful circumstances, like, personality strength, prior experience, age, education, and social support, were predicted to be negatively related to stress. Data from 101 mothers whose infants were 6 weeks old were analyzed using path analysis. The data fit the model and explained 41% of the variance in parenting stress. The empirical model showed significant paths from prior experience and social support to the stress of pregnancy. The mother's education was the only significant variable in the pathway to labor and delivery stress and it was positively related to stress. Paths to parenting stress existed from personality and from pregnancy stress, but not from labor and delivery stress or any of the other variables.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Components of Stress
Interestingly, the hidden cube faces also experience these stresses, equal and opposite to those on the...
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative Parenting
This...
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Types of Stressors
Catastrophes
Catastrophes refer to large-scale, unpredictable events that create overwhelming stress and a sense of threat. Examples include natural disasters like...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Relationship with Parents: Attachment

