The role of partner support, ego-resiliency, prenatal attitudes towards maternity and pregnancy in psychological well-being of women in high-risk and low-risk pregnancy

Psychol Health Med. 2020 Jun;25(5):630-638. doi: 10.1080/13548506.2020.1737718. Epub 2020 Mar 10.

Abstract

We have shown by multiple regression analyses that partner support (as an external source of support) and ego-resiliency (as a personality trait and internal source of support) are significant factors contributing to pregnant women's satisfaction with many different domains of psychological well-being (PWB), such as positive relations with others, self-acceptance, and environmental mastery, facilitating better psychological adaptation to pregnancy and motherhood. Type of pregnancy (high-risk or low-risk) is important for two areas of PWB of pregnant women, namely positive relations with others and self-acceptance. The attitudes towards maternity and pregnancy are weaker predictor than ego-resiliency and partner support and they are significant only for one PWB dimension - autonomy. Positive or negative attitudes towards motherhood and the unborn child depend on the education level. They are less stable factors than ego-resiliency. Empirical evidence is found for the moderating role of the pregnancy type (low- vs. high-risk) in the relationships between support from partner and two dimensions of PWB: positive relations with others and purpose in life. The received partner support helps women in high-risk pregnancy with positive psychological functioning, especially in maintaining the belief that their life is purposeful and in sustaining quality relationships with others.

Keywords: Pregnancy; attitudes towards motherhood and pregnancy; ego-resiliency; partner support; psychological well-being.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / psychology*
  • Resilience, Psychological*
  • Social Support*
  • Spouses / psychology*
  • Young Adult