SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING, ANXIETY, AND DEPRESSION IN ANTEPARTAL WOMEN ON BEDREST

Abstract

This descriptive correlational study examined relationships among anxiety, depression, and spiritual well-being (SWB) in three groups of women (non-pregnant, normal pregnancy, high-risk pregnancy on bedrest). Women in each group completed a demographic survey, a Spiritual Well-Being Scale, and depression and anxiety subscales from the Abbreviated Scale for the Assessment of Psychosocial Status in Pregnancy. All groups (N = 180) demonstrated significant, inverse relationships among SWB, anxiety, and depression. Findings emphasize the importance of obstetrical nurses screening pregnant women to evaluate emotional health, especially in high risk pregnancies. Collaboration with mental health nurses may be useful in developing interventions to improve a woman's SWB, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve pregnancy outcomes.