Amniocentesis is one of the most widely used prenatal diagnostic techniques for congenital disorders. It was hypothesized that the psychological responses of mothers and fathers to amniocenthesis during high-risk pregnancies would be positively correlated on scales of Symptomatology (Anxiety, Depression, Anger, and Somatic Complaints) and Well-Being (Relaxed, Contented, Friendliness, and Somatic Well-Being). It was also hypothesized that Symptomatology would be negatively correlated with Well-Being. Nineteen couples, who were referred by their physicians, voluntarily participated in the study. Each partner completed the Symptom Questionnaire (Kellner, 1983), a self-rating scale of Symptomatology and Well-Being, in addition to the Pre-Amniocentesis and Post-Amniocentesis Questionnaires (original questionnaires developed for this study) at intervals prior to and following the procedure, while awaiting results. A Pearson product-moment correlation of the total scores revealed a positive correlation (p < 0.5) between the scores of fathers and mothers on the Symptomatology Scale, both pre- and post-amniocentesis (r = .47 and .47). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation (p < .05) between Symptomatology and Well-Being scores for both mothers (r = -.55 and -.60) and fathers (r = -.48 and -.74) at the pre- and post-amniocentesis periods, respectively. The hypothesis cannot be completely accepted because the positive correlation does not exist at the post-amniocentesis level. Mothers appear to experience more Symptomatology and less Well-Being than fathers at the post-amniocentesis level. The results are interpreted to suggest that fathers and mothers may both benefit from pre- and post-amniocentesis supportive intervention.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ucf.edu/oai:stars.library.ucf.edu:rtd-5731 |
| Date | 01 January 1985 |
| Creators | Williamson, Nancy D. |
| Publisher | University of Central Florida |
| Source Sets | University of Central Florida |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Retrospective Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | Public Domain |
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