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. 1996 Jul 1;45(3):343-350.
doi: 10.2307/585507.

SOCIAL SUPPORT, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND PARENTING STRAINS IN MOTHERS OF VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS

Lynn T Singer  1 , Marilyn Davillier  2 , Peggy Bruening  2 , Suzanne Hawkins  2 , Toyoko S Yamashita  3
Affiliations

SOCIAL SUPPORT, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND PARENTING STRAINS IN MOTHERS OF VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS

Lynn T Singer et al. Fam Relat. .

Abstract

This study investigated maternal psychological distress, perceptions of social supports, and parenting strains after the birth of a very low birthweight (VLBW) infant. Compared to mothers of term infants, mothers of VLBW infants had significantly higher incidence of psychological distress during the neonatal period, but did not differ from mothers of term infants in their feelings of role restriction, parenting competence, or social supports. Lower general social support predicted high distress levels, but only for mothers of VLBW infants. Mothers with a low sense of parenting competence, but support from spouse/partners reported lower maternal distress.

Keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia; high-risk infants; parenting; psychological distress; social support.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Components of the Double ABCX Model of Family Adjustment and Adaptation.
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