TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2008//
TI  - The role of schema and appraisals in the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms following birth
JO  - Journal of reproductive and infant psychology
A1  - Edworthy, Zai
A1  - Chasey, Rebecca
A1  - Williams, H.
SP  - 123
EP  - 123
VL  - 26
IS  - 2
N2  - 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 /> 
LA  - 
SN  - 0264-6838
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02646830801918422
ID  - ref1
ER  -