The impact of delayed parenthood on stress, anxiety, and depression among women /
| Main Author: | |
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| Other Authors: | , , |
| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
1991.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | Link to OAKTrust copy |
| Abstract: | A growing family pattern established in the United States and in many other countries is delayed childbearing. This study focused upon the impact of delayed parenthood from the woman's perspective. Preparental experiences and attitudes may render the experience of motherhood different for those mothers who delay parenthood and those who do not delay. Therefore, this study compared the experiences following childbirth of younger mothers, ages 20 to 29, and delayed mothers, ages 30 and above, in the areas of parental stress, anxiety, and depression. The standardized questionnaires used were the Parenting Stress Index, the State-Trait Anxiety Scale, and the Depression Adjective Check Lists. The subjects were 100 first-time mothers who were individually interviewed and surveyed by the researcher. The results of the statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA, indicated that there are differences in the postpartum experiences of younger and delayed first-time mother. The scores for the Parenting Stress Index and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were statistically significant and showed the delayed mother experiencing more parental stress and anxiety than the younger mothers following their first childbirth. Although the scores on the Depression Adjective Checklists fell short of statistical significance, there was a tendency in the direction of delayed mothers experiencing more depression. All three assessment measures indicated that the delayed mothers' group experienced increases in the emotional areas of stress, anxiety, and depression during the first eight months following the birth of their first child. Strengths and limitations of this study, as well as suggestions for future research, were also discussed. |
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| Item Description: | Typescript (photocopy). Vita. "Major subject: Counseling Psychology." |
| Physical Description: | x, 91 leaves ; 29 cm |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references. |