Psychologists' experiences of working with fear of childbirth: implications and advice for care providers.
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| Title: | Psychologists' experiences of working with fear of childbirth: implications and advice for care providers. |
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| Authors: | Rondung, Elisabet (AUTHOR), Lier, Emma (AUTHOR), Ternström, Elin (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology. Jun2026, Vol. 44 Issue 3, p718-732. 15p. |
| Subjects: | Treatment of emotional trauma, Work, Phobias, Sexual partners, Cesarean section, Documentation, Psychologists, Focus groups, Qualitative research, Interprofessional relations, Interviewing, Respiration, Social services, Listening, Psychoeducation, Problem solving, Uncertainty, Thematic analysis, Need (Psychology), Medical records, Medical appointments, Communication, Data analysis software, Needs assessment, Cognitive therapy, Imagination, Counseling, Experiential learning, Childbirth, Video recording, Patients' attitudes, Relaxation for health, Hospital wards, Medical referrals, Patient aftercare |
| Geographic Terms: | Sweden |
| Abstract: | Background and Aim: Fear of childbirth is a common problem that affects women's health and wellbeing. A variety of interventions have been used in research and clinical settings, but it remains unclear how interventions should be designed to be as effective and acceptable as possible. Additionally, the experiences of psychologists working to support women fearing childbirth are sparsely documented and therefore unavailable for researchers and clinicians. This qualitative study aimed to bridge this gap by exploring and describing the experiences of perinatal psychologists working clinically with women suffering from fear of childbirth. Methods: Focus group interviews with eleven psychologists, analysed with reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive and semantic approach. Results: We identified four main themes, with three to four subthemes each. It was described as essential to meet the woman where she stands: to listen, validate, explore, and tailor interventions. Depending on the needs of each woman, the psychologists had a smorgasbord of core interventions to offer. They also described how they could help the woman and her partner or support person to prepare for childbirth. Finally, they addressed the importance of multiprofessional engagement and cooperation. A list of recommendations based on the findings is presented. Conclusion: The findings add to the existing literature on how to treat and support women with fear of childbirth and should be considered as one of many sources of information guiding the development of future interventions, care strategies, and clinical pathways for women fearing childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Reproductive & Infant Psychology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Background and Aim: Fear of childbirth is a common problem that affects women's health and wellbeing. A variety of interventions have been used in research and clinical settings, but it remains unclear how interventions should be designed to be as effective and acceptable as possible. Additionally, the experiences of psychologists working to support women fearing childbirth are sparsely documented and therefore unavailable for researchers and clinicians. This qualitative study aimed to bridge this gap by exploring and describing the experiences of perinatal psychologists working clinically with women suffering from fear of childbirth. Methods: Focus group interviews with eleven psychologists, analysed with reflexive thematic analysis with an inductive and semantic approach. Results: We identified four main themes, with three to four subthemes each. It was described as essential to meet the woman where she stands: to listen, validate, explore, and tailor interventions. Depending on the needs of each woman, the psychologists had a smorgasbord of core interventions to offer. They also described how they could help the woman and her partner or support person to prepare for childbirth. Finally, they addressed the importance of multiprofessional engagement and cooperation. A list of recommendations based on the findings is presented. Conclusion: The findings add to the existing literature on how to treat and support women with fear of childbirth and should be considered as one of many sources of information guiding the development of future interventions, care strategies, and clinical pathways for women fearing childbirth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 02646838 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/02646838.2024.2415106 |
