Prospective study of individual characteristics and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms following childbirth: Birth satisfaction as a moderator.

OBJECTIVE

The goal of this study was to (a) examine the association between childbirth-related posttraumatic stress disorder (CB-PTSD) symptoms and possible risk factors of previous trauma, individual characteristics (neuroticism, anxiety sensitivity, and resilience), type of birth, and birth satisfaction and (b) explore whether birth satisfaction moderates any association between individual characteristics and CB-PTSD symptoms.

METHOD: This was a longitudinal questionnaire study during pregnancy and postpartum. Pregnant women (N = 396) were recruited from antenatal clinics and completed questionnaires during mid-late pregnancy (Time 1) and 6-12 weeks after childbirth (Time 2). Time 1 questionnaires measured anxiety sensitivity (Anxiety Sensitivity Index), neuroticism (International Personality Item Pool-50, Neuroticism subscale), resilience (Brief Resilience Scale), and trauma history. Time 2 questionnaires measured birth satisfaction and CB-PTSD (Birth-Related and General Symptoms subscales).

RESULTS

Regression analysis showed that previous sexual trauma, higher levels of neuroticism, and lower levels of birth satisfaction predicted higher levels of CB-PTSD symptoms. Anxiety sensitivity and resilience were not significant predictors of CB-PTSD. Additionally, birth satisfaction moderated the relationship between higher neuroticism and higher levels of CB-PTSD (total and general symptoms) and between lower resilience and higher CB-PTSD general symptoms. Effects were stronger when low birth satisfaction was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual characteristics and birth satisfaction interact in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder following childbirth, with previous traumatic experiences playing an additional role. These findings can inform screening and care pathways for women at greater risk. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).