Stress-Resistance Resources and Coping in Pregnancy

Stress-resistance research focuses on resources that facilitate adaptation during stressful circumstances. This study examined the value of three stress-resistance resources (optimism, social support, and socioeconomic status) in 163 pregnant women. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the hypothesis that resources are beneficial by promoting the use of adaptive coping. Cross-sectionally, optimism was associated with less frequent use of avoidance and lower emotional distress. Greater social support was associated with more frequent use of avoidance and preparation coping and with higher levels of emotional distress. Positive appraisal was the only way of coping associated with less distress. However, prospective analyses showed that resources are associated with coping and distress in early pregnancy only and that coping was not associated with distress over time. Results suggest that there are high levels of stability in coping and distress throughout pregnancy.