Stress-coping strategies and interpersonal characteristics in ineffective maternal adaptation after childbirth: a pilot case-control study.

BACKGROUND

Maternal adaptation after childbirth represents a complex psychological process that significantly influences maternal well-being, mother-infant interaction, and long-term child development. While postpartum depression and post-traumatic stress disorder have been extensively studied, less attention has been given to early stress-coping patterns and interpersonal characteristics associated with adjustment difficulties.

METHODS

This pilot case-control study included 104 women within the first postpartum year. Fifty seven women diagnosed with adjustment disorder (ICD-10: F43.2) formed the ineffective adaptation group, while 47 women without adaptation difficulties served as controls. Stresscoping strategies were assessed using the SVF 78 questionnaire, and interpersonal behavior was evaluated using the Interpersonal Checklist (ICL). Group differences were analyzed using non-parametric and categorical statistical tests.

RESULTS

Women with ineffective postpartum adaptation demonstrated significantly higher use of negative stress-coping strategies and lower use of positive strategies (all p < 0.001). Resignation, escape tendency, perseveration, and low positive self-instruction were significantly associated with ineffective adaptation. The accumulation of multiple maladaptive coping strategies was related to a substantially higher proportion of women experiencing adaptation difficulties. Interpersonal analysis indicated that a rebellious-distrustful personality pattern was significantly more frequent in the ineffective adaptation group.

CONCLUSION

Ineffective postpartum adaptation, operationalized as adjustment disorder, is associated with specific maladaptive stress-coping strategies and interpersonal characteristics. These findings may contribute to improved clinical awareness and support the development of preventive psychosocial interventions in postpartum care.