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Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
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How does stress affect maternal and paternal perceptions of relationship strain after a preterm birth? Results of a

Alinda Reimer1, Laura Mause1, Jan Hoffmann1

  • 1Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Human Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|January 10, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Parental relationship strain impacts well-being. This study found mothers experienced more strain than fathers during infant neonatal intensive care unit stays, yet fathers showed a stronger link between stress and relationship strain.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) care
  • Parental mental health
  • Relationship psychology

Background:

  • Couple relationship strain is linked to reduced well-being.
  • Premature birth and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays are significant stressors for parents.
  • Understanding interparental relationship dynamics during infant hospitalization is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate interparental relationship strain experienced by mothers and fathers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
  • To explore the association between parental stress and relationship strain during infant NICU stays.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted with parents of preterm infants.
  • Data were collected from parents experiencing infant stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between September and December 2020.
  • Linear regression analysis was employed to examine associations between stress and relationship strain.

Main Results:

  • Mothers reported higher relationship strain (M=3.37) compared to fathers (M=2.49).
  • Significant associations between relationship strain and infant-related stress were found for both mothers and fathers.
  • Fathers exhibited a significantly stronger association between relationship strain and infant-related stress (β=0.27) than mothers (β=0.16).
  • Mothers uniquely showed a significant association between relationship strain and parental role alterations (β=0.21).

Conclusions:

  • While mothers reported higher relationship strain and stress, fathers are also significantly impacted.
  • Interparental relationship strain and stress during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stays require attention for both mothers and fathers.
  • Future research should prioritize stress prevention strategies addressing the needs of both maternal and paternal figures.
Abstract

Keywords:
dyadic stressinterparental relationshiptransition to parenthood

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