Anxiety, Coping, and Self-Efficacy as a Psychological Adjustment in Mothers Who Have Experienced a Preterm Birth

Background/Objectives: Research shows that mothers of premature infants can experience increased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even a post-traumatic stress in comparison to mothers of healthy, full-term infants. The aim of this study was to analyze and compare anxiety, coping, and self-efficacy in mothers who have and have not experienced a preterm birth, providing a basis for developing a targeted, mother-oriented support program that supports their adjustment to difficult situations. Methods: The study included 251 women, 112 of whom delivered infants prematurely (PTB group) and 139 who delivered infants at term (T-B group). Data were collected by using (1) The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Questionnaire, (2) the Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and (3) the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations Questionnaire (CISS). Results: PTB women had higher results in anxiety in comparison to T-B women. Also, they were characterized by statistically significantly lower generalized self-efficacy and ability to cope with stress. PTB women more often presented the emotion-oriented coping style. Conclusions: A mother-oriented support program based on personal resources is a solution which could help mothers better adjust to difficult situations related to preterm birth child treatment and care.