Birth-Related Posttraumatic Growth: The Role of Social Support, Perceived Control, and Mindfulness

Abstract For many, pregnancy is a transformational event in a woman’s life entailing several psychological and physical changes that can become catalysts for positive personal growth. Birth-related posttraumatic growth (PTG) is one way of measuring how challenging experiences related to pregnancy and birth can influence the mother’s mental states differently with the magnitude of the specific psychological and psychosocial factors contributing to birth-related PTG yet to be mapped out. Thus, this study aimed at examining and comparing several parameters that have been suggested to contribute to birth-related PTG among women. A total of 559 women ( M age = 32.2, SD = 5.9) who gave birth in Denmark completed an online survey assessing social support, perceived control, mindfulness, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) related to their latest birth. The study found that at least a small degree of birth-related PTG was experienced by 71.4% of the women ( M = 51.4, SD = 19.8). A multiple regression analysis showed that higher social support and lower age significantly predicted higher birth-related PTG amongst the women. The findings particularly emphasize the overarching importance of experiencing a strong, personal social network when women are going through this transitional time in life. Implications for optimizing women’s opportunities for growth as they transition into motherhood are being discussed alongside ways to move this research field forward in meaningful ways.