The effect of gender role stress on psychological distress in pregnant women

Aim

To examine the effect of gender role stress on psychological distress in pregnant women.

Background

Recognition and prevention of potential psychological as well as physiological adversities during pregnancy are critical in terms of reducing their impacts on mother and baby health and developing preventive health services.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 182 volunteer pregnant women in Türkiye. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, an Obstetric Characteristics Information Form, the Feminine Gender Role Stress Scale (FGRSS), and the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10-PDS). Data analysis included independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance, Duncan test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean K10-PDS score of the pregnant women was 37.55 ± 8.87, which showed they were likely to have a severe mental disorder. There was a statistically significant difference between scale scores according to education level, perceived income, intervention of people outside the home, marital adjustment, and the presence of a health problem during the current pregnancy (p < 0.05). It was determined that there was a weak negative relationship between the FGRSS and K10-PDS (r = −0.283; p < 0.001) and that feminine gender role stress had an effect on psychological distress (F = 7332; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results of the study draw attention to pregnant women's need for psychological support. To reduce the adverse psychological effects of gender role stress on pregnant women in prenatal care services, studies on factors affecting adaptation to the pregnancy process can be planned.