Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 20, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
An assessment of depression, psychosocial factors, and resilience among women seeking prenatal care at an urban
Katherine M Johnson1,2, Frances M Paley3, Anna M Modest1,2
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
Objective:
To describe the relationship between resilience and mental health and psychosocial characteristics in the prenatal period.
Methods:
A prospective cohort pilot study was conducted among English-speaking women aged 18 years or older with singleton pregnancies of at least 20 weeks' duration who received prenatal care at an urban community health center in the USA between March and October 2014. Surveys were administered and a retrospective chart review was conducted. Resilience and depression were measured using validated scales and anxiety was self-reported. Univariate and bivariate analyses were performed.
Results:
Thirty women participated. The median resilience score was 82.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 74.0-92.0). Median resilience scores were significantly lower among women with a history of depression (73.0 [IQR 66.0-81.0]) than among those without a history (85.0 [IQR 79.0-92.0]; P=0.007). A history of using medication for anxiety, depression, or insomnia before pregnancy was also associated with lower resilience (median 74.0 [IQR 64.5-80.0] vs 83.5 [IQR 79.0-92.0]; P=0.029). Neither anxiety nor substance use was associated with resilience. Higher resilience was associated with religious affiliation and having adequate financial resources (both P<0.05).
Conclusion:
Depression history, prior medication use, religious affiliation, and financial security affect resilience in pregnancy. These data inform a strengths-based approach to prenatal care and future research endeavors.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Community Based Intervention
Foundations of Community Mental Health Programs
Central to the success of community-based interventions is the...
Depression: Overview
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Psychodynamic Therapy
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques VI
Motivation and Self-Determination
Motivation, the driving force behind behavior, plays a pivotal role at every stage of the change process. The research...

