Prenatal Coping Inventory Research Articles

Family Functioning as a Predictor of Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy

Family support may be a protective factor against mental health issues during pregnancy. Little is known about the effect of family function on the mental health of pregnant women. This study aimed to examine the relationship between family functioning and the mental health of pregnant women. The research was conducted with 184 pregnant women. During prenatal care appointments, the participants completed five questionnaires: Family Assessment Device (FAD), State-Anxiety Inventory (SAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), Prenatal Coping Inventory (Nu-PCI), and Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ). The participants’ mean age was 27.2 (SD = 5.2) years, with a range between 18 and 45 years. No association was found between demographic variables and anxiety/depression or coping strategies. Family dysfunction was a positive determinant of depression (β = 0.345, p < .001) and anxiety (β = 0.199, p = .007). However, family dysfunction was negatively associated with coping planning (β = −0.192, p = .009) and spiritual coping (β = −0.154, p = .037). Our findings suggest that during prenatal care visits, healthcare providers should consider the negative impact of family dysfunction on the mental health of pregnant women.

Ways of Coping with Stress during Pregnancy: Differences Revealed through Meta-Analysis

Substantial research demonstrates that high stress during pregnancy is a potent risk factor for adverse maternal, infant, and child outcomes. Strategies to cope with prenatal maternal stress have the potential to alleviate or exacerbate stress impacts. Yet we lack sufficient understanding of how frequently pregnant women use various ways of adaptive and maladaptive coping and whether coping practices differ by individual characteristics or by the circumstances of pregnancy. This meta-analysis evaluated 21 studies of commonly used instruments that assess coping with prenatal stressors: the Prenatal Coping Inventory (PCI; k = 6) and its successor, the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI; k = 15). Across studies, pregnant women used adaptive coping strategies most frequently: [Planning-]Preparation and Spiritual-Positive coping. They used Avoidant coping least often. There were also differences in ways of coping by study trimester, racial and ethnic composition of samples, parity, and gravidity. Coping factors from the PCI and NuPCI exhibited good internal consistency in different countries and languages. Findings confirm that these instruments are reliable tools to assess prenatal coping and indicate that coping during pregnancy is influenced by individual and contextual factors. Understanding how women cope with prenatal stress can improve the ability of interventions to promote resilience.

Attitudes toward medicalization in childbirth and their relationship with locus of control and coping in a Spanish population

The dominant model of childbirth in most Western countries is medicalized childbirth. Women's beliefs about whether childbirth should be a medicalized process to a greater or lesser degree may be related, in addition to contextual factors, to internal factors. The objective of the study is to find out if women’s locus of control (LC) and stress coping strategies (CS) are related to having a more favourable or less favourable attitude towards medicalization (ATMC). A cross-sectional study was carried out with the participation of 248 women recruited in primary care centres by their midwives. All the women filled in answers on a mobile phone app with various different measurement instruments: the questionnaire created by Benyamini to evaluate their ATMC; the Spanish version of the Wallston MLC to evaluate their LC; and the Spanish adaptation of the “Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI)” scale for the assessment of their CS. The women presented a favourable attitude towards medicalization, with a mean ATMC score of 3.42. Both the LC and the CS of women during pregnancy are related to this attitude. Specifically, having an internal LC and using preparative CS both lower the probability of presenting a favourable attitude towards medicalization, while the lack of a paid job raises the probability. For each point in internal locus and preparatory coping, the ATMC score decreased by 0.02 and 0.23 points, respectively, while it increased by 0.18 for not having a paid job. The influence of these psychological factors must be taken into account in the development of content and interventions that promote a more natural birth.

Effects of supportive counseling using a positive psychology approach on coping patterns among pregnant women with nausea and vomiting

BackgroundPregnancy nausea and vomiting (NVP) are associated with a wide range of physical and mental changes in the mothers and could affect their adaptation to pregnancy. There is a gap of knowledge regarding the effectiveness of a positive psychology approach counselling on improving coping patterns in women with NVP.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the effect of supportive counselling with a positive psychology approach on improving coping patterns in women with NVP.MethodThe current study was a randomized controlled trial on 60 pregnant women who experienced nausea and vomiting in Zanjan a province in the northwest of Iran, 2020–2021. Using four-block random sampling, eligible women were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups. According to the Seligman protocol, the intervention group received supportive counselling in six sessions of 45 min3 times a week. The revised prenatal coping inventory (Nu PCI) was used to collect data and analyzed using Chi-square, repeated measures ANOVA, and MANOVA at a 95% confidence level.ResultsIn the counseling group, the mean (SD) of a total score of coping with pregnancy before the intervention was 6.11 (1.31) which increased to 8.40 (1.03) in 4 weeks after the intervention. Based on the MANOVA test with adjusting the number of pregnancies, the mean total score of coping with pregnancy was statistically significant 4 weeks after the intervention compared with the control group (Adjusted mean difference (AMD) = -1.84, CI95% -2.36, -1.32, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe use of positive psychology in supportive counselling improved the coping of mothers suffering from nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. It is recommended that this approach be incorporated into prenatal care to promote the health of pregnant women.Trial registrationThe study was registered at the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials website under the code IRCT20150731023423N17.Registration date: 2020–10-31, Expected recruitment start date: 2020–11-01.IRCT Id: IRCT20150731023423N17.

Stress, Coping, and Psychiatric Symptoms in Pregnant Women in Outpatient Care During the 2021 Second-Wave COVID-19 Pandemic.

Aims: Women face many sources of stress throughout their lives, and some periods are particularly sensitive; pregnancy is one of them. The COVID-19 pandemic is a likely source of additional stress for pregnant women. Moreover, there is evidence that pregnant women have experienced high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms during the pandemic. Our study aimed to evaluate the association of pregnancy-specific stress, pandemic-related stress, and coping strategies with anxiety, depressive and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology in Italian women during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic (December 2020–June 2021). We also investigated whether there were differences in these levels of psychopathology compared to a prior study conducted during the first pandemic wave (April–August 2020) in Italian pregnant women.Methods: We assessed 325 pregnant women receiving outpatient prenatal care, using the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ), Pandemic-Related Pregnancy Stress Scale (PREPS), the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI), General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) screening. The main analysis was conducted comparing multiple logistic regression models predicting each psychopathological outcome from specific covariates and NuPDQ, PREPS, and NuPCI scores.Results: 42.8% of the sample reported significant levels of anxiety, while 10.3% was positive on depression screening and 13.1% on OCD screening. No significant difference was found in the prevalence of high anxiety, depression, or OCD screening scores compared with the first pandemic wave. Controlling for covariates, we found that GAD-7 and PHQ-2 scores were predicted by pregnancy-specific stress; positive OCD screening was not. The model of high anxiety was improved by adding pandemic-related stress as a predictor (in particular, feeling unprepared for delivery and postpartum). Finally, coping strategies (avoidance, spiritual coping, and planning-preparation) significantly improved prediction of all three psychopathological outcomes.Conclusions: The present study suggests the importance of pregnancy-related stress, COVID-19 pandemic stress, and of coping strategies in counteracting or contributing to psychiatric symptomatology during the current pandemic.

The effect of counseling on women’s coping with unplanned pregnancy

ABSTRACT Introduction The responses to a life-changing event can be different. The study aimed to determine the effect of counseling on coping strategies among women facing unplanned pregnancy. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 70 unplanned pregnant women with a gestational age <10 weeks, who scored ≥ 15 in the avoidance pattern of Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NU-PCI). The participants were randomly assigned into the intervention and control groups. Three counseling sessions were held for the intervention group. Data were gathered using questionnaires of the women’s perceptions of unplanned pregnancy, decision-making style and strategies, NU-PCI, and the checklist for the type of decision. Independent t-tests, ANCOVA, and Chi-square were used. Results After intervention, the mean score of the avoidance pattern in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group [AMD: - 4.35, 95% CI: -8.7 to -0.13, P=0.03]. In addition, the continuation rate of pregnancy in the intervention group, 28 subjects (80%), was significantly higher than that in the control group, 21 (60%) (P = 0.03). Conclusion The counseling leads to a decrease in the use of avoidance strategies among women facing unplanned pregnancies. Development of supportive interventions for women experiencing unplanned pregnancies is recommended specially in societies with induced abortion restrictions.

Health-promotion and health-harming behaviours in pregnant women: role of coping strategies, anxiety, and depression

There is a lack information on psychological predictors of health-promotion and health-harming behaviours during pregnancy. The study aimed to examine whether psychological factors including anxiety, depression, and coping strategies could predict the health-promotion and health-harm behaviours of pregnant women. In a cross-sectional study 200 pregnant women with singleton pregnancies, older than 18 years, and with at least 5 years of education were enrolled. The participants completed four questionnaires during their prenatal care appointments. The questionnaires included the prenatal health behaviour scale (PHBS), Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NU-PCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and State-Anxiety Inventory. The results revealed that planning-preparation coping was a strong positive independent variable associated with healthy behaviours (health-promoting behavioural/nutrition (β = 0.800, p = .001); health-promoting physical activity (β = 0.191, p = .049)). It was negatively associated with unhealthy behaviours (health-harming behavioural/nutrition (β = 0.290, p < .001) as well as health-harming physical activity (β = −0.290, p = .010)). Anxiety was significantly associated negatively with healthy behaviours. Depression was the strongest positive independent variable correlated with health-harming behavioural/nutrition (β = 0.290, p < .001). Finally, avoidance coping (β = 0.179, p = .037) was significant for health-harming physical activity. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Previous studies have shown that there is a correlation between psychological factors and healthy behaviours of pregnant women. What do the results of this study add? The findings highlight the significant roles of coping strategies, anxiety, and depression for predicting healthy or unhealthy behaviours of pregnant women. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The findings implied that pregnant women who use more adaptive coping strategies, especially planning- preparing coping, reported lower levels of anxiety/depression and engaged more in healthy behaviours. The study also suggests that obstetricians and health care providers should pay more attention to the roles of coping strategies, especially planning-preparation and avoidance coping, anxiety, and depression in improving health-promotion/health-harming behaviours of pregnant women.

Health promotion behaviours of pregnant women and spiritual well-being: Mediatory role of pregnancy stress, anxiety and coping ways.

AimLittle is known about the link between spiritual well‐being and health promotion behaviours in pregnant women. The study aimed to explore the direct and indirect effects of spirituality on health promotion behaviours with the mediatory roles of pregnancy stress, anxiety and coping ways.DesignCross‐sectional.MethodsTwo hundred women aged above 18 years completed Spiritual Well‐Being scale (SWBS), State‐Anxiety Inventory (SAI), Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP), Prenatal Coping Inventory (Nu‐PCI) and Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ).ResultsSpirituality directly and negatively affected the state anxiety (β = −.41; p < .001) and NuPDQ (β = −.36; p < .001). Health promotion behaviours were negatively related to state anxiety (β = −.36; p < .001) and positively to planning‐preparation coping (β = .23; p = .001). Spirituality had a significant indirect effect on health promotion behaviours (β = .33; p < .001), mediated through its association with state anxiety and planning‐preparation coping. Thus, health professionals are proposed to consult pregnant women on the benefits of spirituality for improving healthy behaviours.

Stress and coping among pregnant black women during the COVID‐19 pandemic

ObjectiveThis study explored stress and coping among pregnant Black women prior to and during the COVID‐19 pandemic.DesignProspective, longitudinal, cohort study.SampleThirty‐three women enrolled in the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study prior to the COVID‐19 pandemic and who were still pregnant during the pandemic.MeasurementsQuestionnaires included the Perceived Stress Scale, Prenatal Coping Inventory, and questions related to sociodemographic characteristics, worry about COVID‐19, and coping strategies used during the pandemic.ResultsWomen reported very much being worried about my child getting COVID‐19 (46%) and my family member getting COVID‐19 (46%). Women reported specific active coping strategies very much reduced their feelings of discomfort during COVID‐19: God, religion, or spirituality (24%), social media (24%), and following government advice (24%). Higher use of avoidance coping prior to the pandemic was associated with higher levels of stress both prior to (r = 0.60, p < .001) and during (r = 0.47, p < .01) the pandemic.ConclusionWomen reported worries about COVID‐19 and used various strategies to cope with feelings of discomfort due to the pandemic. Nurses should assess the stress level of pregnant Black women and recommend active coping strategies during the pandemic.

Validation of the Italian version of the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) and its correlations with pregnancy-specific stress

BackgroundPregnancy is a period of happiness but also of physical and psychological changes that can lead to distress. Functional coping strategies can reduce the pregnancy specific-stress. This study aimed to assess the psychometric properties of the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) in an Italian sample and to investigate how coping strategies were associated with pregnancy-specific stress.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, low-risk pregnant women (N = 211) were assessed with NuPCI, NuPDQ (Revised-Prenatal Distress Questionnaire), Brief-COPE (Coping Orientation to the Problems Experienced), and STAI (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). The reliability of NuPCI was evaluated by assessing its internal consistency and factor structure (with a Confirmatory Factor Analysis, CFA). The concurrent validity between NuPCI and Brief-COPE and NuPDQ and STAI was investigated. Lastly, the relationship between NuPCI and NuPDQ was analyzed, as well as the ability of these scales to predict Apgar score at birth.ResultsInternal consistency of NuPCI scales was good for Planning-Preparation (ɑC=0.84) and Spiritual-Positive Coping (ɑC=0.81) scales, acceptable for Avoidance (ɑC=0.76) scale. Moreover, the original three-factor structure was confirmed using a CFA with 29 of the 32 items (χ2374 = 618.06; RMSEA = 0.056, 95% confidence interval: [0.048, 0.063]); CFI = 0.920; and TLI = 0.913). Statistically significant correlations between NuPCI scales and Brief-COPE subscales ranged between r = + 0.217 and r = + 0.624; also, NuPDQ score was positively correlated with STAI scales (State scale: r = + 0.539; Trait scale: r = + 0.462). Concurrent validity was confirmed reporting that NuPDQ score was predicted by NuPCI scores (R2 = 0.423, p < 0.001), positively by Avoidance (β=+0.572) and Planning-Preparation (β=+0.215) and negatively by Spiritual-Positive Coping (β=-0.132). Finally, considering the stress, the effect of the Avoidance and Spiritual-Positive Coping scores respectively in decreasing (+ 155%) and increasing (+ 16%) the Apgar score became stronger.ConclusionsItalian NuPCI has sound psychometric properties and it is a useful coping measure. NuPDQ showed also a good validity. Our results may suggest a significant role for coping strategies, particularly in modulating the condition of the newborn at birth.

Prenatal Coping Patterns Mediate The Effect of Uncertainty and Perceived Social Support on The Psychological Well-Being of High-Risk Pregnant Women

Background: High risk pregnancy can introduce additional psychological stress on the pregnant women. Also, poor coping skills during pregnancy are associated with negative outcomes. The effects of perceived social support and uncertainty on the psychological well-being of high risk pregnant women can be mediated by their prenatal coping patterns. Aim: This study aimed to assess the mediating effects of prenatal coping patterns of the perceived social support, and uncertainty on the psychological well-being of high-risk pregnant women. Design: A cross sectional, correlational study design was utilized on 162 high-risk pregnant women according to certain inclusion criteria and who were attending outpatient clinic in Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital affiliated to Ain Shams University Hospitals. Tools of data collection: The data was collected using an interview questionnaire that included five sections as the following: 1) patient's demographic characteristics and obstetric history 2) The Mishel Uncertainty in Illness Scale; 3) The Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) Social Support Survey; 4) The Prenatal Coping Inventory; 5) and The Psychological General Well-Being Index. Results: data and path analysis revealed that, planning/preparation for motherhood negatively mediated the effect of uncertainty on psychological wellbeing of high-risk pregnant women; planning/preparation for motherhood mediated the effect of perceived social support on psychological wellbeing of them; and perceived social support had direct effect on psychological wellbeing of the studied subject. Regarding the psychological well-being, perceived social support, uncertainty, and prenatal coping pattern of the studied high-risk pregnant women, less than half of them had moderate psychological distress, less than two third of them had high perceived social support, more than two third of them reported low level of uncertainty, the majority of them reported less use of avoidance, less than two third of them reported less use of spiritual coping, whereas more than three quarters of them reported frequent use of planning/preparation for motherhood. Conclusion: The study concluded that prenatal coping patterns (problem focused coping) mediated the effects of uncertainty and perceived social support on the psychological well-being of the studied high-risk pregnant women. Recommendation: Incorporating psychosocial assessment in routine prenatal screening for women experiencing medically complex pregnancies with continuous and routine screening for depression and anxiety

Pregnancy-specific coping and changes in emotional distress from mid- to late pregnancy

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine whether pregnancy-specific coping predicts changes in emotional distress from mid- to late pregnancy.Background: There is a need to identify ways of coping that reduce or elevate emotional distress in pregnant women as such distress increases the risk of adverse birth outcomes.Methods: 132 women receiving prenatal care from a university hospital midwifery practice were recruited prior to 25 weeks gestation (M = 19.58, SD = 5.14). The state anxiety version of the State–Trait Personality Inventory (STPI) and the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NuPDQ) were administered in mid- (M = 25.7 weeks, SD = 4.55) and late (M = 33.4 weeks, SD = 4.18) pregnancy and the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) at the latter timepoint.Results: Factor analysis of the NuPCI identified five distinct, conceptually interpretable types of coping: Prayer/Spirituality, Receiving Social Support, Planning/Preparation, Positive Appraisal, and Avoidant Coping. Avoidant Coping was used least frequently and Positive Appraisal was used most. The STPI and NuPDQ were aggregated to create a measure of emotional distress. After controlling for mid-pregnancy distress, Avoidant Coping predicted greater emotional distress in late pregnancy (β = .18, R2 = .61, p < .01) and Positive Appraisal predicted lower late pregnancy distress (β = −.15, R2 = .60, p < .01).Conclusion: This is one of the first studies to demonstrate that specific ways of coping with stress during pregnancy predict changes in pregnant women’s emotional distress. The NuPCI is a psychometrically sound self-report instrument to examine coping and its association with emotional distress.

The relationship between general health and coping style with perceived stress in primigravida healthy pregnant women: Using the PATH model

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to analyze relationships among general health, coping style, and perceived stress in healthy primigravida pregnant women. A cross-sectional study was conducted at public health clinics in Hamadan city, Iran between July and December 2015. In total, 380 pregnant women were selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory and General Health Questionnaire. Perceived stress was assessed through an interview comprised of open-ended questions. The final PATH model fit well; general health (β = 0.02) as well as anxiety and sleep disorders (β = 0.03) were slightly directly associated with perceived stress, and only planning–preparation was related to perceived stress through general health (β = 0.09). The findings enhance the knowledge gained from previous perinatal stress research. General health status was directly related to stress, and coping style was indirectly related to stress. Coping styles may mediate the relationship between general health status and perceived stress, suggesting that midwives should attempt to improve the general health of women to reduce stress and its consequences during pregnancy by teaching patients appropriate coping styles. Further studies on the effect of coping style interventions on stress are warranted.

The Relationship between Prenatal Coping Strategies and Irrational Beliefs in Pregnant Woman

Background & aim: Physiological changes during pregnancy cause high levels of stress in the mother. Thus, the need for maternal psychological adjustment using coping strategies is important. Coping strategies can be influenced by individual beliefs and attitudes. Therefore, this study was performed to determine the relationship between irrational beliefs and prenatal coping strategies. Methods: This descriptive correlational study was conducted on 702 low-risk pregnant women at 35-39 weeks of gestation (gravidity: 3≥) who referred to the health centers of Mashhad, Iran, during 2015. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select the participants (stratified, cluster proportional to size). Data collection tools included Demographic and Midwifery questionnaire, Irrational Beliefs Test, and Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory. Reliability of the scales was determined with inter-class correlation coefficient. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation, regression, and general linear models by SPSS, version 16. Results: Total score of irrational beliefs had a significant direct correlation with avoidance coping strategies (r=0.24, p 0.05). Also, types of irrational beliefs were significantly related to the dimensions of perinatal coping strategies (p <0.001). Conclusion: Considering that types of irrational beliefs can affect stress coping behaviors, it is necessary to include the evaluation of these two issues in prenatal screening.

Adapting the revised prenatal coping inventory (NuPCI) for use in a Spanish population

Objective: To adapt the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuPCI) for the evaluation of prenatal stress coping strategies utilised by Spanish women.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed to evaluate the psychometric properties of NuPCI adapted for a Spanish population. Two hundred and sixty one puerperium women completed the NuPCI at the time of discharge after childbirth. Instrument construct validity was evaluated using subscale item correlations. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s α test.Results: Items from each subscale (Preparation, Avoidance and Spiritual – Positive Coping) were significantly correlated with the global result (p < .001). The internal reliability of the NuPCI demonstrated suitable values for each of the three coping strategies (α > 0.7). The most frequently used coping strategy was Preparation and the least used was Avoidance. Utilisation of the coping strategies with Preparation decreased with increasing parity (p = .002) and greater prenatal stress was associated with increased use of the Avoidance coping strategy (p < .001).Conclusions: The NuPCI adapted for Spanish women demonstrates good psychometric properties for evaluating the three types of prenatal stress coping strategies: Preparation, Avoidance and Spiritual – Positive Coping. Results were similar to those presented by the instrument in its English language version.

The psychometric properties of the Iranian version of revised prenatal coping inventory (Nu PCI) in healthy pregnant women: a confirmatory factor analysis

The Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (Nu PCI) is a self-report instrument that focuses on the coping styles of pregnant women during the prenatal period. The present study aimed to translate the scale and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Iranian version of the Nu PCI in healthy pregnant women. Beaton’s recommendations have been used for the translation and cultural adaptation of this scale. Reliability, content, and face validity were performed to assess the psychometric properties of the scale. The results indicated that the Nu PCI was successfully translated into the Persian language, with both the total scale and subscales exhibiting both content validity and internal consistency. Confirmatory factor analyses revealed that the conceptual three-factor structure of the measure had good fit indices. Reliability was evaluated using internal consistency. Cronbach Alpha coefficient was 0.92 and intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.91. Therefore, the Nu PCI is a reliable instrument to measure prenatal coping patterns in primigravida healthy pregnant women.

The Factor Structure and Psychometric Properties of the Persian Version of the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (Nu-PCI).

Familiarity with coping strategies is essential for stress management during pregnancy. The Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (Nu-PCI) was developed to assess coping strategies during pregnancy. This study aimed to assess the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Nu-PCI. After forward-backward translation, the Nu-PCI was administered to 210 pregnant women who were enrolled in two teaching referral clinics in the North of the Islamic Republic of Iran (Babol). The participants completed the Persian Nu-PCI and Ways of Coping Questionnaire (WCQ), which was used to determine the validity of the Persian Nu-PCI. To test construct validity of the Persian Nu-PCI, a principal components factor analysis was performed. Principal components analysis with varimax rotation showed a best fitting 3-factor structure similar to the original with three coping subscales: planning-preparation, avoidance, and spiritual-positive coping. The Persian Nu-PCI was internally consistent and within the acceptable range (α=0.89-0.97). The alpha coefficients for the Nu-PCI and the subscales of planning-preparation, avoidance, and spiritual-positive coping were high. Test-retest coefficients for the Nu-PCI and subscales were 0.98-0.99. The Nu-PCI and its subscales correlated with the WCQ in the entire sample and within each trimester. The Persian version of the Nu-PCI and the subscales of planning-preparation, avoidance, and spiritual-positive coping represent the first reliable standardized tool for measuring coping strategies during pregnancy in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Therefore, it can be applied as a quick and accurate preliminary screening tool for evaluating coping strategies throughout pregnancy in clinics and other medical and research settings.

The Relationship between Psychological Hardiness and Coping Strategies during Pregnancy

Background & aim: Although pregnancy seems to be a pleasant experience in a women’s life, the accompanied physical and psychological changes lead to high levels of stress in mothers. Prenatal stress widely affects the physical and mental health of mothers and infants; therefore, adopting appropriate coping strategies are highly required. Considering the importance of coping strategies in psychological hardiness, we aimed to determine the relationship between psychological hardiness and prenatal coping strategies. Methods:This correlational study was conducted on 500 pregnant women, referring to the healthcare centers of Mashhad, Iran in 2014. The study subjects were selected via convenience sampling. Data collection tools included Kobasa Hardiness Scale, the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale. For data analysis, Spearman correlation coefficient and regression analysis were performed, using SPSS version 16. The significance level was considered to be 0.05. Results: Psychological hardiness had a significant positive correlation with planning/ preparation (r=0.70, P<0.001) and positive/spiritual coping strategies (r= 0.75, P<0.001). However, a significant negative correlation was found between psychological hardiness and avoidance coping strategy (r=− 0.81, P<0.001). Conclusion: Considering that psychological hardiness was correlated with planning/preparation and positive/spiritual coping strategies, it is recommended to encourage pregnant women to adopt these adaptive strategies to overcome stress during pregnancy.

Effects of perinatal meditation on pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong: A randomized controlled trial

Objective: To assess the effects of Perinatal Meditation on pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong. Design: A prospective longitudinal randomized control quantitative study. Data were collected using the Prenatal Distress Questionnaire, Prenatal Coping Inventory, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Body-Mind-Spirit Well-Being Inventory (BMSWBI) and salivary cortisol. Data were collected during first visit, 36 th weeks pregnant, 5 th weeks and 5 th months after delivery. Settings: Perinatal meditation program (Eastern Based Meditative Intervention, EBMI) for pregnant Chinese women in Hong Kong who were attending the hospital clinic for routine perinatal care. Participants: 64 pregnant Chinese women were recruited for intervention and 59 were for control. 36 cases were classified as Frequent Practice (FP) in intervention group. Results: Quantitative results showed statistically significant increase in positive appraisal ( p &lt; .05) at 36th weeks, difference in evening salivary cortisol ( p &lt; .05) and decreased in physical distress ( p &lt; .05) at 5th weeks postpartum in the Frequent Practice (FP) group. Conclusions: Frequency of practice of meditation is directly related to its effects. Perinatal meditation can help pregnant women to reduce perinatal stress through its effect on coping mechanism and improves physical discomfort in postnatal period which are risk factors for maternal health, fetal health and child health. Perinatal meditation can be added into present perinatal counselling and perinatal program to promote maternal health, child health and family health.

Factors implicated in moderating the risk for depression and anxiety in high risk pregnancy

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate depressive and anxious symptoms while examining the impact of self-esteem, social support and coping strategies on these symptoms in women who have been hospitalised for high-risk pregnancies. Method: Fifty-five women from the south of France area hospitalised or on bed rest for high-risk pregnancy completed five scales: the Edinburgh Post-Natal Depression Scale (EPDS), the High Risk Pregnancy Stress Scale (HRPSS), the Revised Prenatal Coping Inventory (NuCPI), the ‘Questionnaire du Soutien Social Perçu’ (QSSP), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results: The results show that over half of these women manifest symptoms characteristic of pre-natal depression and the entire sample showed high levels of anxiety symptoms. Predictive factors for depression included informational support and self-esteem; for anxiety, predictive factors were patient age and EPDS scores. Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of providing appropriate psychological support for women with high-risk pregnancies in order to avoid depressive disorders and any potential negative consequences on the perinatal period.