Psychology of hypertension in pregnancy: A comparative assessment

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to identify differences in family interaction, child rearing background, coping styles and anxiety level of hypertensive pregnant patients as compared with those of healthy pregnant women and those of pregnant women with other ailments. A secondary purpose was to explore potential relations among such variables. Responses of a total of 90 participants were examined through a non experimental, correlational,  retrospective design; instruments included the Inventory of Health, Life Styles and Behavior, the Moos Coping Scales, and the State-Trait Anxiety Scale. Results revealed statistically significant differences regarding the acceptance-resignation coping styles and a poor relation with the father. Dysfunctional child rearing practices yielded negative correlations with acceptance, resignation, logical analysis, emotional restraint and search for support coping styles, and correlated positively with both trait and state anxiety. Results suggest some relevant trends in contexts of severe marital distress where, a protective rearing in absence of the establishment of  specific interaction skills may lead to the development of sustained stress in under specific conditions in adulthood.