@article{ref1,
title="The role of schema and appraisals in the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms following birth",
journal="Journal of reproductive and infant psychology",
year="2008",
author="Edworthy, Zai and Chasey, Rebecca and Williams, H.",
volume="26",
number="2",
pages="123-123",
abstract="Recent studies show that post-traumatic stress reactions can occur following childbirth. The role of pre-event schema as a vulnerability factor in the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms in childbirth has not been investigated. We aimed to determine the relationship between pre-existing schema and interaction with previous trauma, birth experiences, birth appraisal and social support in the development of post-traumatic symptoms following childbirth. We undertook a prospective, longitudinal study, whereby 121 first-time mothers completed questionnaires from 34 weeks in their pregnancy, and of these 108 completed a second set of questionnaires at 6 weeks post-partum. We found that the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth was significantly related to negative appraisal of the birthing experience and to pre-existing, maladaptive schemas. We conclude that appraisal of the birthing experience and pre-existing schemas have an influence on the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms following childbirth.Keywords: childbirth; cognitive; emotional; mother(s); labour<p />",
language="",
issn="0264-6838",
doi="10.1080/02646830801918422",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02646830801918422"
}