Influencing Factors of Coping Strategies in Mothers of High-Risk Newborns: Perceived Stress and Nursing Support

Abstract

Aim: This study explored factors influencing the coping strategies of mothers of high-risk newborns using Lazarus and Folkman's stress appraisal coping model. Background: Mothers' coping strategies impact both their well-being and their infants' development. Identification of key influencing factors is crucial for effective interventions. Design: This was a single-centre, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Methods: A total of 141 mothers of high-risk newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit in South Korea participated in this study. Data were collected from August 2023 to January 2024 using structured questionnaires. Linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the influence of perceived stress and nursing support on coping strategies. Results: Mothers with higher education levels and those with more sources of social support were more likely to use adaptive coping strategies, suggesting that access to knowledge and emotional support may facilitate effective stress management. Conversely, stress related to parental role alteration was associated with a higher likelihood of using maladaptive coping strategies, while informational nursing support appeared to mitigate this tendency. Conclusion: Nurses can support coping by providing clear information about the newborn's condition. Additionally, providing opportunities for mothers to actively participate in newborn care may serve as an effective strategy to enhance adaptive coping strategies.