Exploration of a cognitive model to predict post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth.
Women can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. This study investigated the application of a cognitive model to PTS symptoms following childbirth and explored the addition of social support to the model.


METHODS
Women (N=138) completed questionnaires in pregnancy, 3-weeks and 3-months after birth, measuring prior trauma, beliefs, and coping in pregnancy; and birth interventions, social support, post-traumatic cognitions, and PTS symptoms post-birth.


RESULTS
Using structural equation modeling, a cognitive model explained 23% of the variance in PTS symptoms 3-weeks postpartum. Three-months postpartum, the model explained only 9% of the variance in PTS symptoms. The addition of social support, partially mediated by post-traumatic cognitions, increased the variance to 16%.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that a cognitive model accounts for early PTS symptoms after birth. Social support after birth increases the explanatory power of the model at 3 months. A test of the model on a larger sample is warranted.
Ford
Elizabeth
E
University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. e.ford@qmul.ac.uk
Ayers
Susan
S
Bradley
Robert
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003071:Cognition; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D036801:Parturition / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011247:Pregnancy; D011594:Psychometrics; D011644:Puerperal Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*