title: SOCIAL SUPPORT, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS, AND PARENTING STRAINS IN MOTHERS OF VERY LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANTS.
abstract: This study investigated maternal psychological distress, perceptions of social supports, and parenting strains after the birth of a very low birthweight (VLBW) infant. Compared to mothers of term infants, mothers of VLBW infants had significantly higher incidence of psychological distress during the neonatal period, but did not differ from mothers of term infants in their feelings of role restriction, parenting competence, or social supports. Lower general social support predicted high distress levels, but only for mothers of VLBW infants. Mothers with a low sense of parenting competence, but support from spouse/partners reported lower maternal distress.
authors.affiliation: Rainbow Babies and Childrens Hospital, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Mail Stop 6019, Cleveland, OH 44106.
authors.forename: Lynn T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Singer
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Marilyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Davillier
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Peggy
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bruening
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.affiliation: Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
authors.forename: Toyoko S
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: Yamashita
keywords: bronchopulmonary dysplasia; high-risk infants; parenting; psychological distress; social support