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Posttraumatic Growth After Childbirth in Women: A Systematic Review

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Abstract

This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise research evidence on posttraumatic growth (PTG) and related factors within the perinatal context. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Five databases were searched from inception to February 2019 using relevant search terms. Of 121 abstracts identified, 13 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion. Data were extracted from each study regarding study sample characteristics, design, PTG measure, and main findings. Factors associated with PTG were divided into individual, event-related and contextual factors, as conceptualized by the functional-descriptive model of Tedeschi and Calhoun. Most individual consistent factors included age, personality and coping strategies; most event-related factors included premature birth and threat appraisal; finally, most contextual consistent factors included grandmothers’ and spouses’ emotional support. These factors highlight targets to the development of psychosocial interventions. Recommendations for future research are discussed.

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Funding

Funding was provided by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (UIDP/04345/2020).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CIP-UAL, Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa Luís de Camões, 1150-023, Lisbon, Portugal

    Tânia Brandão, Rute Brites, Odete Nunes & João Hipólito

  2. CPUP - Center for Psychology at University of Porto, Porto, Portugal

    Tânia Brandão

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  1. Tânia Brandão
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  2. Rute Brites
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  4. João Hipólito
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Correspondence to Tânia Brandão.

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Tânia Brandão, Rute Brites, Odete Nunes, and João Hipólito declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This systematic review does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors. The authors only summarize results from previous published studies.

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Brandão, T., Brites, R., Nunes, O. et al. Posttraumatic Growth After Childbirth in Women: A Systematic Review. J Clin Psychol Med Settings 27, 318–330 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-020-09720-w

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