Trauma, Coping, & the Couple Relationship : An Investigation of Pregnant Couples' Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Health

Abstract

Pregnancy and trauma are each complex biopsychosocial-spiritual processes with implications for the couple relationship, but there is not enough research on the ways that the two constructs are connected. Two articles were completed for this study: (a) a systematic review of literature published on the impact of traumatic stress on obstetric, neonatal, and postnatal outcomes and (b) a dyadic research study of couples' experiences with traumatic stress, pregnancy coping, and the couple relationship. The findings reported in the systematic review indicate that maternal trauma can impact maternal obstetric physical and mental health, fetal prenatal health, and maternal postnatal outcomes. The research study revealed that maternal and partner pregnancy stress, trauma, and relationship report are related, and discussed patterns of moderation and indirect effects between the variables. Based on these findings, implications and recommendations are provided for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers who work with pregnant couples and trauma survivors. Finally, recommendations are made specifically for Medical Family Therapy researchers and practitioners.