Personal coping resources, responsibility, anxiety and depression after early pregnancy loss

Abstract

This cross-sectional study aimed at assessing the relationship of feelings of personal responsibility for miscarriage and personal coping resources (self-esteem and Self-efficacy), with symptoms of anxiety and depression in 138 women at 19 to 400 days following the diagnosis of a missed abortion. Multiple regression analyses controlling for demographic and obstetric variables demonstrated that higher feelings of personal responsibility, and lower personal resources were significantly associated with anxiety and depression. Self esteem had the most salient effect on women’s level of affective psychopathology; higher levels of self-esteem were associated with lower anxiety and depression. Women with high levels of self-esteem also reported significantly lower feelings of personal responsibility for miscarriage than those with low levels of self-esteem. Interventions aimed at enhancing feelings of self-worth, and at altering exaggerated feelings of personal responsibility for miscarriage, could lessen the potential negative emotional impact of pregnancy loss on women.

Key Words:

• Miscarriage
• Responsibili
• Personal Resources
• Anxiety
• Depression