A mediational model of maternal optimism, coping, and psychological distress was tested in 112 mothers of infants hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Maternal optimism was related to mothers' use of active, cognitive, and ventilation coping strategies as well as less distress during their infants' hospitalization and 1 month postdischarge. An indirect relationship between optimism and distress was also identified, mediated by mothers' use of cognitive and avoidant coping strategies. Optimistic mothers employed more cognitive and fewer avoidant coping strategies and experienced less distress both during and following their infants' hospitalization. Interventions with pessimistic mothers that encourage engagement with their infants in the NICU may facilitate better maternal adaptation and subsequent child development.
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McIntosh et al. (2004) studied this question.
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