Stress, social support, and coping strategies: What influence on perceived parental self-efficacy of primiparous mothers?

Research
By Chantal Razurel, Huguette Desmet, Catherine Sellenet
English

Following comprehensive and semi-structured interviews (n = 30), this article examines the life changes arising in mothers six weeks after the birth of their first child. The birth of a child involves emotional, behavioral, and cognitive changes, requiring consideration and adjustments by the mothers. We believe there are a number of factors that could impact the perceived self-efficacy and emotional health of the mothers, and the relationship between mother and child. The research indicates areas of stress encountered by mothers and the strategies they put in place to cope and overcome stress. This article also questions the action taken to reduce stress by the medical team, and in particularly the midwife, during the birth process. The results show that not all stressful events have the same impact on perceived self-efficacy. Breastfeeding and crying appear to have the most impact. We believe that professional social support has a strong influence on the mothers’ perceived self-efficacy. It is also important to consider the value given to people in charge of support. Thus, the research indicates the complex link between stress, social support and coping strategies and leads to a complex transactional pattern.

Keywords

  • perceived stress
  • perinatality
  • social support
  • coping strategies
  • perceived self-efficacy
  • post-partum
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