EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AMONG NSUKKA WOMEN IN THEIR FIRST PREGNANCY

ROLES OF RESILIENCE AND PARTNER RELATIONSHIP SATISFACTION

Abstract

Assessment and treatment of emotional distress during pregnancy shows that women in their first pregnancy are at greater risk of experiencing intense distress, and interpersonal relationships with partners and resilience are important factors determining their psychological health. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of partner relationship satisfaction and resilience on emotional distress among women in their first pregnancy. Two hundred (200) women in their first pregnancy were recruited from UNN Medical Centre, Nsukka General Hospital, Nsukka Health centre, Bishop Shanahan and Divine Intervention Maternity during their antenatal visit. They completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Measure, Relationship Satisfaction Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Multiple regression analysis revealed that partner relationship satisfaction negatively predicted emotional distress such that greater partner relationship satisfaction was associated with lower level of emotional distress. Resilience negatively predicted emotional distress such that higher resilience was associated with lower level of emotional distress. The findings underscore the importance of partner relationship satisfaction and resilience in shaping pregnant women’s emotional distress and identify both as target for intervention