J Pinelli1. 1. McMaster University, Faculty of Health Services, 3N25D, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L8N 3Z5. pinellij@fhs.mcmaster.ca
Abstract
PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between family coping and resources and family adjustment and parental stress in the acute phase of the NICU experience. DESIGN: Correlational study based on the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation. Main study instruments included the State Anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Family Inventory of Resources for Management, the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, and the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device. SAMPLE: Data collected from 124 mother and father pairs within two to four days of their infant's admission to the NICU. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Family adjustment and parental stress. RESULTS: Adequate resources were more strongly related to positive adjustment and decreased stress than were either coping or being a first-time parent. The relationships among the variables were generally the same for both parents. Mothers utilized more coping strategies than did fathers. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: Families with limited resources should be identified early to facilitate their adjustment to the NICU.
PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between family coping and resources and family adjustment and parental stress in the acute phase of the NICU experience. DESIGN: Correlational study based on the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation. Main study instruments included the State Anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Family Inventory of Resources for Management, the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, and the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device. SAMPLE: Data collected from 124 mother and father pairs within two to four days of their infant's admission to the NICU. MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLES: Family adjustment and parental stress. RESULTS: Adequate resources were more strongly related to positive adjustment and decreased stress than were either coping or being a first-time parent. The relationships among the variables were generally the same for both parents. Mothers utilized more coping strategies than did fathers. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: Families with limited resources should be identified early to facilitate their adjustment to the NICU.