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Maternal and Child Health Journal
Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal 10/2015

01-10-2015 | Methodological Notes

Development of a Postpartum Stressor Measure

Authors: E. R. Park, C. Psaros, L. Traeger, A. Stagg, J. Jacquart, J. Willett, M. D. Alert, K. L. LaRoche, J. L. Ecker

Published in: Maternal and Child Health Journal | Issue 10/2015

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Abstract

To develop a brief self-report assessment of the type and magnitude of stressors during the postpartum period. A cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 138 women at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA completed a measure of postpartum stressors at their 6-week postpartum visit. Item analyses were conducted; items were eliminated based on low relevance, low endorsement, and cross-loadings, resulting in a 9-item measure. Items were summed to create a total postpartum stressors score. To establish concurrent validity with perceived stress, the total postpartum stressors score was correlated with the 4-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4). The stressors score was tested for bivariate associations with depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2) and with social support (three items adapted from the MOS Social Support Scale). The 9-item measure, which was comprised of three factors (baby care, well-being, and work) demonstrated good reliability (Cronbach’s α = .74) and concurrent validity with the PSS-4 (r = .53; p < .001) in the current sample. The stressors total score was negatively associated with social support (p < .001) and was positively associated with depression symptoms (p < .001). The early psychometric results on this measure are promising and associated with postpartum social support and depressive symptoms. With additional research to enhance external validity, this measure could be used and tested in an intervention study at the 6-week postpartum visit to identify women at risk for distress.
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Metadata
Title
Development of a Postpartum Stressor Measure
Authors
E. R. Park
C. Psaros
L. Traeger
A. Stagg
J. Jacquart
J. Willett
M. D. Alert
K. L. LaRoche
J. L. Ecker
Publication date
01-10-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Maternal and Child Health Journal / Issue 10/2015
Print ISSN: 1092-7875
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6628
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-015-1731-0

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