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Personal Growth of Mothers of Preterms: Objective Severity of the Event, Subjective Stress, Personal Resources, and Maternal Emotional Support

Author

Listed:
  • Gal Rozen

    (Bar-Ilan University)

  • Orit Taubman – Ben-Ari

    (Bar-Ilan University)

  • Tzipora Strauss

    (Tel Aviv University)

  • Iris Morag

    (Tel Aviv University)

Abstract

This prospective study investigated the personal growth of Israeli mothers of premature babies at two medically defined risk levels (infants at low risk, n = 42; infants at moderate-high risk, n = 52), examining the contribution to the five dimensions of personal growth of objective event characteristics (baby’s risk level), perceived levels of mother’s stress (linear and curvilinear associations), and mother’s personal resources (self-esteem, attachment styles, perceived emotional support from her own mother). In addition, the role of the event severity as a moderator of the association between perceived maternal emotional support and personal growth was explored. Findings indicate that mothers in the two risk groups did not differ in level of perceived stress. Mothers of infants at moderate-high risk, however, experienced more spiritual change. In addition, consistent curvilinear associations emerged between perceived levels of stress and personal growth for three dimensions of growth: new possibilities, personal strength, and relations with others (with a similar trend for appreciation of life). Thus, mothers reporting moderate stress levels experienced the highest personal growth. Finally, risk group played a moderating role in the association between perceived maternal emotional support and personal growth on the dimensions of new possibilities, personal strength, and relations with others. On these dimensions, only among mothers of low-risk babies were higher levels of maternal emotional support associated with greater personal growth. The results highlight the importance of the subjective experience and the value of maternal emotional support for the personal growth of mothers of preterms. These findings may help in designing measures to identify populations at risk and developing appropriate interventions, as well as impact on the working procedures and support currently offered in most neonatal intensive care units.

Suggested Citation

  • Gal Rozen & Orit Taubman – Ben-Ari & Tzipora Strauss & Iris Morag, 2018. "Personal Growth of Mothers of Preterms: Objective Severity of the Event, Subjective Stress, Personal Resources, and Maternal Emotional Support," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(7), pages 2167-2186, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:7:d:10.1007_s10902-017-9915-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9915-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Orit Taubman - Ben-Ari & Shirley Ben Shlomo & Liora Findler, 2012. "Personal Growth and Meaning in Life Among First-Time Mothers and Grandmothers," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 13(5), pages 801-820, October.
    2. Renske Schappin & Lex Wijnroks & Monica M A T Uniken Venema & Marian J Jongmans, 2013. "Rethinking Stress in Parents of Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(2), pages 1-19, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Salam Abu-Sharkia & Orit Taubman - Ben-Ari & Ali Mofareh, 2023. "Personal Growth and Life Satisfaction during Fertility Treatment—A Comparison between Arab and Jewish Women," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-20, January.
    2. Sun Hee Kim & Hee Sun Kang, 2022. "Health Promotion Behaviors of Pregnant Couples in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Actor-Partner Interdependence Model," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-10, June.

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