Journal of Psychology & Behavioral Science

Comparison of Women with Risk-free and High-Risk Pregnancy and Family Resilience
Hüdayar Cihan, Ozlem Dirilen-Gumus, Kudret Erkenekli, MD

Abstract
System theory argues that every family is a system and all experience certain developmental risks/challenges which affect the balance of the family. Pregnancy can be considered as a developmental risk and a challenge that a family may encounter. The first aim of the study is to reveal the factors that contribute to their resilience during the process of pregnancy especially when they experience problematic situations. The second aim is to compare whether certain factors change in accordance with group type (risk-free and high-risk pregnancy). One-hundred ninety-two participants took part in the study, (Age Mean= 28.65, SD= 5.90). There were 105 women in risk-free pregnancy and 87 in high risk pregnancy group. Together with demographics, an open-ended questions was asked. The results of content analysis include two basic themes which were social support and beliefs systems. There were six categories under the theme of social support (spouse support, family support, relative support, friend support, doctor support, and child support). Meanwhile, there are two categories under the theme of belief systems (religious belief and positive outlook). The comparison based on social support and positive outlook showed no difference among the groups. Only significant difference was evidenced in religious belief among the groups, high-risk pregnant women emphasized more religious belief. Finally, according to age and abortion experience, significant differences were found among groups. First, high-risk pregnant women were older than risk-free group, second, high-risk pregnant women emphasized greater number of abortion experiences. The findings were discussed in the light of relevant literature.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jpbs.v5n1a3