Coping Scale Research Articles

Relationship between coping strategies and change in symptom severity in contamination-focused OCD patients during the COVID-19: a one-year follow-up

Objective To examine the relationship between coping strategies and the change in symptom severity in contamination-focused OCD patients during the COVID-19 pandemic over a one-year follow-up. Methods In March 2020, a one-year follow-up study was initiated with 56 contamination-focused OCD patients in Turkey. Coping strategies were evaluated using the COPE scale. OCD symptom severity was assessed using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) at the beginning and end of the year. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale was administered mid-year. Results One year post the onset of COVID-19, 68% of patients showed increased OCD symptom severity, while 32% displayed a decrease. Higher scores on the fear of COVID-19 scale and lower acceptance scores from COPE subscales were correlated with increased OCD symptom severity. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic has intensified OCD symptoms in a substantial proportion of patients, particularly those with heightened fears related to the pandemic, and reduced acceptance-based coping strategies. Tailored interventions emphasising adaptive coping mechanisms may benefit OCD patients in managing their symptoms during external stressors like pandemics.

Caregiver burden, religious coping, and spiritual well-being among caregivers of elderly stroke patients and predictors affecting spiritual well-being.

Stroke is a disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. Stroke usually creates a range of disabilities such as physical deficits and difficulty in performing daily activities. These long-term needs and the continuous caregiving sequence affect the care burden and spiritual well-being of caregivers. The correlational study population consisted of caregivers of stroke older patients (N = 100). Burden Interview Scale, Spiritual Well-Being Scale and Religious Coping Scale were used. Descriptive analyses, independent sample t-test, one-way analysis of variance, correlation, regression analyses were used to evaluate the data. The mean age of caregivers was 48.38 ± 13.52 years. The score of Burden Interview Scale was 31.41 ± 15.13 (light/moderate), Negative Religious Coping was 7.39 ± 3.17 (moderate), Positive Religious Coping was 24.30 ± 4.34 (high), and Spiritual Well-Being was 21.65 ± 6.73 (low). There is a significant relationship between Burden Interview and Negative Religious Coping (r = 0.274; P = 0.006), Burden Interview and spiritual well-being (r = -0.563; P = 0.000), and spiritual well-being and positive religious coping (r = 0.228; P = 0.026). The predictors that affect the spiritual well-being of caregivers were found to be Burden Interview (β = -0.571) and Positive Religious Coping (β = 0.181) (P < 0.05). Nurses play an important role in increasing the spiritual well-being levels and religious coping behaviours of caregivers. Nurses should communicate empathically with caregivers, understand their feelings, and provide emotional support.

Emotional awareness and expression difficulties in relation to pain experiences in people with brain injury and chronic pain: preliminary investigation

ABSTRACT Objectives Preliminary examination of emotional awareness/expression relationships with pain in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic pain (CP) and exploration of psychological factors as mediators or moderators of these relationships. Methods Cross-sectional study in adults (N = 59) with chronic TBI and CP using Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20 Difficulty Identifying and Describing Feelings subscales; Ambivalence over Emotional Expressiveness Questionnaire; Emotional Approach Coping Scale; PROMIS Pain Intensity and Pain Interference scales, Michigan Body Map (pain widespreadness); headache frequency; Pain Catastrophizing Scale; Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (psychological distress), and Post-traumatic Stress Checklist-Civilian. Results Difficulty Identifying Feelings was positively associated with pain intensity, pain interference, and headache frequency. Difficulty Describing Feelings was positively correlated with pain interference and headache frequency. Emotional Approach Coping was inversely correlated with headache frequency. Emotional awareness/expression relationships with pain outcomes were mediated by Pain Catastrophizing; Difficulty Describing Feelings relationships with Pain Interference and headache frequency were mediated by psychological distress; and Difficulty Describing Feelings associations with Pain Interference were mediated by post-traumatic stress. No moderators were identified. Conclusion These preliminary findings suggest that emotional awareness/expression is linked to pain in adults with TBI and CP, which may be connected via pain catastrophizing and psychological distress. If longitudinal studies with larger samples produce similar findings, researchers should explore training emotional awareness/expression for possible pain management after TBI.

Meaning-Centred Coping Predicted Lower Depressive Symptoms among Caregivers with Complicated Grief.

Complicated grief is characterised by persistent low mood, intense distress and cognitive impairment. This study aimed to explore coping strategies (i.e. emotion-, problem- and meaning-centred) used by bereaved individuals facing complicated grief and how these strategies may predict psychological and cognitive outcomes. In a cross-sectional study, 20 bereaved individuals (5 males, 15 females) that aged 27 years old-65 years old (mean = 42.25, standard deviation [SD] = 9.30) were recruited following the loss of a loved one due to physical illness. Participants were screened for complicated grief and subsequently completed self-report assessments of coping strategies and depressive symptoms using Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Questionnaire, Meaning-Centered Coping Scale (MCCS) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 Items (PHQ-9). Following that, participants underwent a neurocognitive assessment of working memory using the 2-Back task. Caregivers with complicated grief suffered from moderate severity of depressive symptoms (mean = 17.45, SD = 4.43) as they were coping with the losses. Furthermore, the findings showed that MCC significantly predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms (b = -0.50, t (16) = -2.25, P = 0.04). However, coping strategies did not significantly predict working memory performance. These findings highlight the potential benefits of MCC in alleviating depressive symptoms in bereaved individuals and underscore its contribution to the development of grief interventions. Grief therapists can emphasise this coping strategy to promote healing and resilience in patients in the grief work.

Moderating effect of sleep quality in the relationship between coping and distress among medical students.

The present study examined the moderating effects of sleep quality in the relationship between coping and distress among medical college students. Present study was conducted to ensure the mental health of medical students and to dig out the reasons behind their disturbed health which can directly impact their performance at work. The study utilized a cross-sectional survey and was distributed to students at various medical institutions in the Punjab province of Pakistan from October 2019 to June 2020. The sample comprised 369 participants (120 males; 32.5%). The survey included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Kessler Scale of Psychological Distress (K10), Brief Cope Scale, and Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale. The results showed there was a significant relationship between coping and distress. More specifically, adaptive coping and distress were negatively associated (r=-.24), and maladaptive coping and distress were positively associated (r=.46). Moreover, the present study found that poor sleep quality was a significant positive predictor of distress. Moderation analysis showed that sleep quality was a significant moderator in the relationship between adaptive coping and distress (ΔR2=.011, β=-.36, p<.01) as well as between maladaptive coping and distress (ΔR2=.021, β=-.17, p<.01). The study's findings clearly showed that sleep quality is a significant moderator in the relationship between coping (both adaptive and maladaptive) and distress among medical students.

The predictive power of coping strategies of pediatric oncology patients on their quality of life and their attitudes toward diseases.

Pediatric oncology patients face several physical and psychological challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL) and attitudes toward their illness. Coping strategies are pivotal in managing the emotional and physical burdens of disease. This study aimed to examine the impact of coping strategies of pediatric oncology patients on their QoL and attitudes towards their illness. The descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted with 112 pediatric oncology patients aged 10-18 years. The Sociodemographic Form, Pediatric Cancer Coping Scale (PCCS), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Child Attitude Towards Illness Scale (CATIS) were used for data collection. Significant correlations were identified between cognitive coping, defensive coping, and CATIS (p<.001). The PCCS and subdimensions significantly predicted CATIS (p<.001), accounting for 15.3% of the cognitive and defensive coping variation. However, there was no relationship between PCCS total and subdimension scores on PedsQL (p=.534). The PedsQL and subdimensions significantly predicted CATIS (p<.001) and accounted for 27.2% of the variation in physical health summary score, emotional functioning, psychosocial health summary score, and total PedsQL score. The study reveals that cognitive coping strategies positively predict attitudes toward illness, whereas defensive coping strategies have an inverse effect. The study proposes that comprehensive care models in pediatric oncology support effective coping mechanisms and enhance the QoL of those who receive them.

The Influence of Religious Coping on Burnout with Resilience as a Mediator among Healthcare Workers at PKU Muhammadiyah X Hospital

Burnout is a condition marked by diminished personal performance resulting from prolonged stress. While common, it can be alleviated through strategies such as religious coping and resilience. This study aimed to investigate the impact of religious coping on burnout, with resilience explored as a potential mediator, among healthcare workers at PKU Muhammadiyah X Hospital. The research included 106 participants, comprising nurses, pharmacist assistants, pharmacists, midwives, and other healthcare professionals. Measurement tools used in the study were the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE), and the Resilience Scale. Mediation analysis conducted using JAMOVI revealed that resilience did not mediate the relationship between religious coping and burnout. However, religious coping was found to have a direct effect on reducing burnout, accounting for 83.4% of the influence.

Relationship Between Happiness, Culture, Socio-Economic Status, And Religious Coping Among Muslim Women Students Residing In Sokoto State, Nigeria

The goal of happiness is to have a stress-free and functional society. Yet, stress from cultural and socio-economic factors may arise when Muslim women student’s issues are discussed within society practices; which has resulted in illiteracy in Nigeria due to low enrolment attendance and school completion rates. Despite this, the World Happiness Report (WHR, 2023) ranked Nigeria as 95th happiest country in the world, and the fifth happiest country in Africa. Nevertheless, not many researches on happiness among Muslim women students in Northern Nigeria have been reported. This study investigated the relationship between happiness, culture, socio-economic status (SES), and religious coping, among Muslim women students at the Women Centre for Continuing Education (WCCE), in Sokoto, Northern Nigeria. A total number of 269 Muslim women students were selected to participate in this study using purposive random sampling. Instruments namely Orientation to Happiness Scale (OHS), Cultural Questionnaire for Women, (CQW), Socio-Economic Status Scale (SESS), Islamic Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) were used for data collection. The total Cronbach’s alpha Coefficiency was 0.937, which was found to be reliable. The results were analysed using Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The measurement model was evaluated using items loading of average variance extracted (AVE) and composite reliability (CR). The findings of this study showed that the direct relationship of culture, socio-economic status and religious coping towards happiness were significant. As a conclusion, this study provides useful information for counsellors who can assist their clients in improving and maintaining their positive religious coping practices, as well as their ability to encounter positive feelings, engage in Islamic practices, have a meaningful life, and cope with stressors. Future research on happiness in other Northern states of Nigeria is recommended.

Increasing Transgender Acceptance in Religious Families: A Pilot Study of Manualized Strategic Family Therapy

ABSTRACT This pilot study explores strategies to increase transgender acceptance within religious families by applying a brief, manualized treatment approach. The research uniquely integrates Haley’s Model for Effective Family Therapy with principles of cultural humility to address the specific challenges associated with transgender identity in a conservative Baptist context. Employing a clinical case study approach, this research combines qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the implementation of manualized therapeutic strategies. The study focuses on adapting Haley’s model to enhance family dynamics and promote acceptance while respecting the family’s cultural and religious context. Quantitative data show significant improvements across both the Closeness Scale and the Brief COPE Scale. Family cohesion, overall coping, problem-focused coping, and emotional regulation strategies substantial increased. Qualitative findings further validated these improvements, highlighting enhanced family dynamics and transgender acceptance. These effects were sustained for at least three months post-intervention, indicating lasting positive impacts on family dynamics and coping. This pilot study provides novel contributions by demonstrating how Haley’s Model, adapted with cultural humility, can effectively enhance transgender acceptance within a religiously conservative family system. It underscores the value of culturally respectful and systematic approaches in therapy and highlights the need for further research to explore the long-term effects and broader applicability of these interventions in diverse contexts.

Surviving the atrocity: A study of resilience and coping behaviour among Ukrainians during the Russo-Ukrainian war

The study was conducted during the first 8 months of the Russo-Ukrainian war, investigating an interplay of resilience, coping strategies and perceived stress in Ukrainians of various age groups, war experiences and displacement statuses. The study was conducted on the sample of 18–76-year-old Ukrainians ( n = 337) using the COPE, CD-RISC-10 and PSS-14 scales. It aimed to understand how Ukrainians cope with war-stressors and stay resilient. Data analyses, including Bayesian ANOVA, independent samples t-tests, linear regressions and bivariate correlation, were conducted using JASP and IBM SPSS-23. The results of the quantitative study showed that Ukrainians attributed their resilience to perceived self-efficacy, regulating emotions and flexibility. It was also found that the pattern of most and least preferred coping strategies was relatively consistent across all the sample subgroups. Thus, to cope with war, Ukrainians relied on ‘planning’, ‘positive interpretation and growth’, ‘acceptance’ and ‘active coping’ and refrained from ‘behavioural disengagement’, ‘denial’ and ‘substance use’. It was concluded that coping strategies may be significant predictors of Ukrainians’ resilience.

Adverse childhood experiences and coping strategies: do they make a difference in psychopathic traits and altruism for young adults?

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been frequently associated with the presence of psychopathic traits and low levels of altruism. However, there are psychological factors such as coping strategies and demographic variables (sex and socioeconomic status) that can also influence psychopathic and altruistic traits. This study explored the impact of ACEs on psychopathic and altruistic traits, considering participants’ coping strategies, in an underexplored population. A total of 420 young Spanish adults (18–20 years old, M = 18.92; SD = 0.77) completed the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Youth Psychopathic Inventory, the Altruistic Scale, and the Brief Coping Scale. Linear regression and comparative qualitative (fsQCA models) analyses indicated that total ACEs and avoidant emotion-focused coping (especially among males) were associated with higher psychopathic traits. Conversely, total ACEs and problem-focused coping (particularly among females) were linked to altruism. FsQCA models extended these findings, incorporating high SES to these previous profiles when predicting psychopathy and altruism. Thus, it is crucial to promote secure environments in childhood that facilitate the development of adaptive coping strategies. These strategies can mitigate the long-term effects of ACEs, reducing the likelihood of developing psychopathic traits while simultaneously increasing altruism.

Psychological distress, social media use, and academic performance of medical students: the mediating role of coping style

BackgroundGiven that social media use (SMU) is an increasingly widespread activity among university students, more information is needed to evaluate its relationship with students’ mental health, particularly medical students.ObjectiveThe present study assessed the relationships between SMU and coping style with psychological distress and academic performance of medical students.MethodsAn offline cross-sectional survey conducted with 398 undergraduate medical students. The survey collected data on demographics, psychological distress (DASS-21), coping strategies (Brief COPE Scale), academic performance (grade point average) and estimated average time spent on social media per day. Structural equation modeling was used to clarify relationships between the main study variables. The study also examined the mediating effect of maladaptive coping between SMU and psychological distress.ResultsStudents with higher levels of psychological distress were more likely to be engaged in frequent social media use. Spending more than two hours a day on social media use had a positive association with maladaptive coping (p < 0.001), particularly with substance use and behavioral disengagement both of which could negatively affect academic performance. Maladaptive coping mediated the relationship between students’ SMU and psychological distress.ConclusionThe findings suggest that medical students commonly use social media as a maladaptive coping tool to deal with psychological distress. Empowering students to adopt and foster appropriate coping strategies could help them to enhance resilience against life stresses and ameliorate potential long-term mental health consequences associated with maladaptive behaviors.

Latent profile analysis of family adaptation in breast cancer patients-cross-sectional study

When individuals face life pressure or significant family changes, individuals with better family adaptation can better survive the crisis. Although the influencing factors of family adaptation have been investigated, the application of potential profile analysis has yet to be found. This analytical approach can reveal different potential categories of family adaptation, providing new perspectives for theoretical development and interventions. This study used latent profile analysis to explore family adaptation levels in breast cancer patients and identify different latent categories, examining their characteristic differences. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jinzhou, China, from July 2023 to March 2024. The questionnaire included Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, Benefit Finding Scale (BFS), Dyadic Coping Scale (DCI), Chinese Perceived Stress Scales (PSS), and Family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scales (FACES). Mplus8.3 and SPSS26.0 software were used for data analysis. The latent profile analysis (LPA) method was used to fit the family adaptations of breast cancer patients. Three latent categories of family adaptation were identified: low-level family adaptation (21.5%), medium level family adaptation (47.8%), and high-level family adaptation (30.6%). All 14 items with high levels of family adaptation scored higher than the other two groups. In particular, out of all the categories, item 9, "The idea of educating children is sound," scored highest. Compared with the low-level group, the influential factors of family adaptation in the high-level group were BFS, DCI, PSS, relapse and personal monthly income; The factors influencing family adaptation at the middle level are DCI, BFS, breast cancer type, family history of breast cancer, and personal monthly income. Compared with the medium level group, PSS and DCI were the influential factors of family adaptation in the high-level group. Family adaptation in breast cancer patients can be divided into three categories: low-level, medium-level, and high-level. There were significant differences among different categories of family adaptation levels in “personal monthly income”, “family history of breast cancer”, “type of breast cancer”, “recurrence”, “dyadic coping”, “benefit finding”, and “perception stress”.

SAÚDE MENTAL, ENFRENTAMENTO RESILIENTE E ESPERANÇA ENTRE RESIDENTES PAULISTANOS DURANTE O DISTANCIAMENTO SOCIAL DA COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has globally impacted mental health. This study, conducted in Sao Paulo, investigated levels of anxiety, depression, resilient coping, and hope during the pandemic. The objective was to analyze the pandemic's effects on the mental health of São Paulo's population and explore coping strategies and hope. Data were collected among 1,434 adults between July 8 and August 8, 2020, using an online questionnaire that included sociodemographic data and scales to measure anxiety (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Adult (PROMIS®) Short Form v1.0-Anxiety 4a), depression (PROMIS® Short Form v1.0-depression 4a), resilient coping (4-item Brief Resilient Coping Scale), and hope (12-item Herth Hope Index). The results showed that being young, female, having suicidal thoughts, and adhering to quarantine policies were associated with higher levels of anxiety. Higher scores in resilient coping (-0.24) and hope (-0.06) correlated with lower anxiety. The data also revealed that being young, female, having suicidal thoughts, and living with elderly individuals increased depression scores. Conversely, higher scores in resilient coping (-0.35) and hope (-0.14) were related to lower levels of depression. These findings indicate that the pandemic significantly affected mental health in São Paulo. Resilient coping strategies and hope demonstrated potential to alleviate psychological distress, highlighting the importance of effective public mental health policies to address future crises. Therefore, investing in programs that promote resilience and hope may be crucial for mitigating adverse psychological impacts in emergency health situations.

The Effect of Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) Intervention on Reducing Anxiety and Improving the Quality of Self-Coping of Pregnant Women in the Working Area of the Nilam Sari Community Health Center, Bukittinggi City 2015

One indicator of the success of health services is reflected in the decline in maternal mortality. but in reality in Indonesia it is still relatively high. One of the factors that affect the health of pregnant women is excessive anxiety. The result of various studies in the world show, excessive anxiety in pregnancy adversely affect the quality of pregnancy and can lead to complications, mental health development of children. This study aims, know the effect of interventions Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) to decrease anxiety and quality of coping pregnant women in the region Puskesmas Nilam Sari Bukittinggi 2015. The method used in this study is Quasy Experiment design non randomized pretest – post test without control with a sample of 16 pregnant women categories moderate to very hight anxiety. Measuring Instruments used quesionnaires Pregnancy Anxiety Scale (PSA), Pregnancy Related Anxiety Scale (PRAS), Revised Ways Of Coping Scale (WCQR), and an Intervention Module designed practicing with psychologist regarding principle of step Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). Analysis of data using Friedman test, Wilcoxon and Marginal Homogeneity test.

Reviewing the use of the Brief Religious Coping Scale (Brief RCOPE) across diverse cultures and populations

To discern the religious coping methods which individuals employ when confronting life stressors, Pargament devised the Religious Coping Scale (RCOPE) in 1997. Subsequently, in 1998, Pargament et al. formulated an abbreviated iteration, the Brief RCOPE, intended for both research and practical application. The Brief RCOPE has been found to be a reliable and valid measure, however much of the research looking into the psychometric properties of this measure has been conducted in the United States. The aim of the current review was to draw together findings from studies which have investigated the reliability and/or validity of the measure amongst populations outside of the United States. A narrative approach was adopted, involving searches of academic databases using keywords and the application of specific inclusion criteria. It was found that the reliability of the measure has been demonstrated across a number of countries, and across a range of different religions. The measure has also demonstrated good convergent, construct and concurrent validity in diverse cultures. The findings from this review suggest that the Brief RCOPE can be used in a range of diverse religions and cultures. However, more research is needed to ascertain the accuracy of the measure with other religions and cultures and with those in minority groups.

Depression, anxiety and coping strategies among Palestinian university students during political violence: a cross sectional study.

There are numerous wars and ongoing political violence in Palestine and little is known about how they have affected Palestinian undergraduate students' mental health and coping strategies. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of depression, and anxiety symptoms and coping mechanisms among Palestinian university students during the times of current political violence in Palestine after October 7, 2023. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was utilized for a sample of students from 3 universities in Palestine (Al Quds University, Hebron University, and An-Najah University) and 1815 participants responded. Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires, including Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Brief COPE scale. Person correlation test, chi-square test, and bivariate analysis were performed to examine the associations between research variables. The estimated prevalence of depression was 65.9, and 60.9% for anxiety. The logistic regression showed that students from the Arts Faculty, females, and those with working parents were significantly more likely to experience depression and anxiety symptoms. Also, active coping, emotional support, and humor reduced the likelihood of experiencing depression symptoms, while active coping, positive reframing, humor, and acceptance decreased the likelihood of developing anxiety symptoms. Further, the study found that using religion, self-blame, denial, and behavioral disengagement increased the likelihood of depression symptoms while planning, venting, religion, self-blame, denial, and behavioral disengagement increased the likelihood of anxiety symptoms. The study found that political violence often leads to symptoms of depression and anxiety among undergraduates. Furthermore, the use of maladaptive coping mechanisms increases the likelihood that these symptoms will occur. Providing immediate assistance to university students affected by political violence and conflicts is crucial for their emotional and mental recovery and coping with difficulties.

Developing and Validating of the Family Coping Scale for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Developing and Validating of the Family Coping Scale for Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

The Role of Spiritual Well-Being and Religious Coping in Psychiatric Morbidities Associated with Breast Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Spirituality and religious resources support and enhance both overall and emotional well-being during adversity such as diagnosis of breast cancer. Breast cancer patients are at higher risk of developing severe anxiety, depression, and potential mood disorders. Aim: The aim is to assess, compare, and correlate spiritual well-being and religious coping in patients with breast cancer with and without psychiatric disorders (anxiety and depression). Materials and Methodology: Recently diagnosed 90 treatment-naïve breast cancer patients were selected in adherence to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Spiritual Assessment Scale, and Brief Religious Coping Scale were applied to the sample population. The study population was divided into two groups depending on scores of HADS, those having psychiatric disorders, and those who did not have. The data were analyzed using Mann‒Whitney test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient in the SPSS version 21. Results: More than half (61.1%) of the females suffered from psychiatric disorders after diagnosis of breast cancer. About 50% and 38.9% of the study population developed significant emotional distress, leading to the diagnosis of cases of anxiety and depression, respectively. Females suffering from psychiatric disorders have significantly lower spirituality, positive religious coping, and significantly higher negative religious coping than females without any psychiatric disorder. Total spirituality score (P = 0.034) is making a significant contribution toward predicting depression. Negative religious coping is making a significant contribution toward predicting both anxiety (P = 0.008) and depression (P = 0.045). Conclusion: The study suggests that spirituality and religion-based coping facilitates adaptive psychological adjustment to cancer and decreases the prevalence of anxiety and depression.

Understanding the Impact of Childbirth: Postnatal Stress Symptoms in Psychologically Stable Mothers

We investigated the relationship between physical activity and perceived stress levels among pregnant women. A total of 28 pregnant women participated in the study. All participants completed psychological tests to assess stress levels and coping strategies. The physically active (PA) group consisted of 15 women aged 26-40, engaging in moderate physical activity for up to 120 minutes per week across two training sessions. The inactive (NA) group included 13 women aged 24-39 who did not exercise. Unpaired T-test analysis revealed no significant differences in stress-coping strategies between exercising and non-exercising women. However, two coping scales—problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping—showed tendencies: physically active women leaned slightly more toward religious coping (p = 0.15), while non-physically active women favored restraint coping (p = 0.17). Overall, perceived stress levels did not differ significantly between the groups. The study highlights the importance of using specialized tests for pregnant women due to the unique context of pregnancy. Keywords: physical activity, pregnant women, stress, prenatal maternal stress