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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
Published on: June 13, 2021
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Do psychological flexibility and interparental mutually responsive orientation reduce postpartum parenting stress and
Rachel C B Beck1, Lauren M Laifer1, Erin L Ramsdell2
1Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Summary
Prenatal psychological flexibility reduces postpartum parenting stress, especially in couples with strong relationships. This intrapersonal skill supports better coparenting over time.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Effective coparenting is crucial for child development.
- Postpartum parenting stress can negatively impact coparenting abilities.
- Identifying protective factors during pregnancy is vital for family well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify intrapersonal and interpersonal resources during pregnancy associated with lower postpartum parenting stress.
- To examine the role of psychological flexibility and mutually responsive orientation (MRO) in coparenting.
- To understand protective factors for adaptive coparenting.
Main Methods:
- 157 mixed-sex couples completed questionnaires and lab tasks during pregnancy and at child's 1 and 2 years.
- Assessed prenatal psychological flexibility and interparental mutually responsive orientation (MRO).
- Measured postpartum parenting stress and coparenting quality.
Main Results:
- Prenatal psychological flexibility negatively predicted postpartum parenting stress.
- The association between psychological flexibility and parenting stress was stronger with higher MRO.
- Parenting stress at 1 year mediated the relationship between prenatal psychological flexibility and coparenting quality at 2 years.
- Psychological flexibility directly impacted coparenting, independent of parenting stress.
Conclusions:
- Both intrapersonal (psychological flexibility) and interpersonal (MRO) resources are key to reducing parenting stress.
- Psychological flexibility is a significant protective factor for adaptive coparenting.
- Interventions during pregnancy targeting psychological flexibility can promote healthier coparenting relationships.
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