Thesis (M.S.)--West Virginia University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains v, 157 p. : ill. (some col.). Includes abstract. Includes bibliographical references (p. 76-88).

Thesis (M. Div.)--Grace Theological Seminary, 1985. / Abstract. Bibliography: leaves [44]-47.

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The relationship between distressing labour experiences and development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms was explored in a cohort of women eight months post-childbirth. Positive correlations were found between PTSD symptoms (measured by the Impact of Event Scale (lES)) and levels of distress, both at being reminded of labour and for recollections of distress during labour. A sub-group of women (N=20), who perceived their labour experience as traumatic, were interviewed. Processes occurring during traumatic labour and impact on postpartum adaptation were investigated using qualitative methodology. Pain, past experiences and beliefs that their baby would be harmed led to feeling out of control which was maintained by failed attempts to elicit practical and emotional support from staff and partners. Consequences of continued distress related to an impact on self, relationships with others and fear of future childbirth. The relationship between PTSD and Postnatal Depression and factors mediating development of PTSD symptoms were assessed using the IBS, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Perceived Social Support Scales (PSSS), the COPE and the Distressing Events in Labour Questionnaire (DELQ). PTSD symptoms were inversely correlated with PSSS scores and COPE strategies relating to seeking social support, active coping, planning and humour. PTSD symptoms were positively correlated with COPE strategies relating to mental and behavioural disengagement, EPDS scores and stressful communication with staff, threat to baby and total score on the DELQ. Results are discussed in relation to previous research and implications for clinical practice and future research directions.

Bibliography: leaves 169-175. / This dissertation reports on a qualitative study of the childbearing experiences of 20 women having their first child. The study attempts to examine the dominant discourses surrounding pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood, with specific reference to the medical discourse, and to describe the way in which these impact on the women's experiences. The non-probability, convenience sample used in the study comprised women attending an antenatal class held at a Cape Town private hospital. The sample was relatively socially and medically homogeneous. The size and nature of the sample makes broad generalisations tentative. Individual interviews based on in-depth and open-ended questions were conducted. These were aimed at gathering qualitative data on the women's perceptions of their experiences. The women were interviewed during the last trimester of pregnancy about their experiences of pregnancy and their anticipation of childbirth. A further interview conducted a few weeks after birth focused on their experience of childbirth within the hospital setting and their impressions of early motherhood. It was found that the women's accounts of their experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood were shaped to a large extent by the discourses within which the process of childbearing has been constructed. These include the medical, 'natural' birth and feminine discourses. The dominance of the medical discourse of birth was evident in the fact that the medical view was thoroughly incorporated into the women's perceptions of their childbearing experiences. This view of birth, along with the dominance of scientific medical knowledge, was found to limit the perception of acceptable birthing practice. The medical discourse intersected with both the 'natural' birth discourse which, as a social construction, was shown to uphold essentialist and prescriptive notions of motherhood, and the feminine discourse. This discourse, along with its assumptions regarding the mothering role, was fom1d to impact on the women's experiences through the creation of unrealistic expectations and ideals, which contributed to the shock and stress of first-time motherhood.

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Thesis (M.W.S.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, 2004. / Bibliography: leaves 203-211.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Duquesne University, 2006. / Title from document title page. Abstract included in electronic submission form. Includes bibliographical references (p.255-259) and index.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Chicago, Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies, June 2001. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available on the Internet.