The Relationship between Childbirth Experience and Psychological Functioning in the Postpartum Period

Author

Dena Dian Daniel, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Date of Award

Winter 12-2003

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

Supervisory Committee Chair

Linda M. Montgomery, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Kay E. Ketzenberger, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Roy W. Hurst, Ph.D.

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationships between the mother's perception of the birth experience, symptoms of the post-traumatic stress, and symptoms of postpartum depression. Sixty-seven participants ranging from 17 to 40 years of age completed a self-report questionnaire containing items from three instruments including the Perception of Birth Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and the Davidson Trauma Scale. The findings reveal a more negative perception of the birth experience is significantly related to a greater frequency and/or. severity of. post- traumatic stress and postpartum depression symptoms following childbirth., These findings support the conclusion that an extremely negative or traumatic . perception of the birth experience may act as a trigger for symptoms of post-traumatic stress as well as predispose the birthing woman to increased symptoms of . postpartum depression. Recommendations for both mental ' and medical health practitioners include active exploration of the perceived birth experience during the postpartum phase of the mother's medical care.

Recommended Citation

Daniel, Dena Dian, "The Relationship between Childbirth Experience and Psychological Functioning in the Postpartum Period" (2003). Graduate Theses. 9.
https://falconcommons.utpb.edu/utpb-cas/9