Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026

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
Unpacking the Protective Power of Social Support in Mitigating Prenatal Anxiety Among Low-Resourced Populations: A
Julia M L Pangalangan1, Charlotte V Farewell1
1Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
Background:
Anxiety during pregnancy is a prevalent but underemphasized mental health concern with downstream impacts on the entire family unit. Quality social support is strongly related to mental well-being and provides a promising strategy to prevent and manage prenatal anxiety.
Methods:
This convergent mixed-methods study used a cross-sectional survey and interviews to: (1) Quantitatively investigate what adverse social determinants of health and multi-level sources of social support are most predictive of prenatal anxiety and (2) Qualitatively examine different types of social support that may buffer prenatal anxiety among a sample of pregnant women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.
Results:
Hierarchical linear regressions revealed that race and food insecurity were predictive of prenatal anxiety and that social support from friends/peers was most protective against prenatal anxiety. Integration of quantitative survey data and qualitative interview data suggested that emotional support was most protective among this sample of pregnant women.
Discussion:
The results of this study highlight opportunities for adaptations of prenatal peer support programs to include a focus on mitigating food insecurity and promoting emotional support from peers in order to most effectively buffer prenatal anxiety among underresourced pregnant women.
Related Concept Videos
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Stella Chess...
Relationship with Parents: Attachment
Social Anxiety Disorder
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

