Having a sick child in the NICU is a stressful, if not traumatic experience for many parents. Not surprisingly, most studies on this experience focus on how it psychologically affects parents in a negative way. However, some studies show the experience can also lead to positive psychological growth.
A recent study published in the Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine found that the illness and hospitalization of a newborn are significantly associated with something known as post-traumatic growth in the parents. Post-traumatic growth refers to positive psychological changes brought about from traumatic experiences that allow an individual to function at a higher level.
Post-traumatic stress disorder in NICU parents
Hearing that something good could come out of a newborn’s illness and stay in the intensive care unit might be hard to believe, but as human beings, we are resilient. We grow through hardship and struggle.
For some NICU parents, that struggle could take the form of acute stress disorder or even post-traumatic stress disorder. Both the birth and hospitalization of a sick newborn can be traumatic and may also bring about feelings of grief, loss, helplessness, guilt, depression, and anxiety for the parents.
Post-traumatic growth in NICU parents
The Annals of Agricultural and Environmental Medicine study on post-traumatic growth in NICU parents found that having a newborn in the NICU was associated with post-traumatic growth in both mothers and fathers. However, the mothers were observed to experience post-traumatic growth at a higher rate than the fathers.
Predictors of post-traumatic growth
The study not only identified post-traumatic growth in NICU parents but also predictors of post-traumatic growth. These predictors took the form of different positive coping strategies and were found to differ between mothers and fathers.
Predictors of post-traumatic growth in NICU fathers
- Positive reinterpretation of the event
- Seeking emotional support
Predictors of post-traumatic growth in NICU mothers
- Planning
- Religious coping
- Seeking emotional support
It is important to note that although fathers may be less likely to admit a need for emotional support, this support was found to be as necessary for fathers as it was for mothers in achieving post-traumatic growth.
It was also found that a sense of control in the form of planning was an essential part of post-traumatic growth for mothers. When this control is lost, mothers are more likely to turn to religious coping than fathers to achieve post-traumatic growth.
Implications for NICU staff
This study suggests that NICU parents would benefit significantly from being connected early on with emotional support. This connection could lead to a positive reinterpretation of the event, which could be particularly beneficial for fathers. Moreover, mothers may especially benefit from being involved in their child’s care plan and being connected with a hospital chaplain.
These findings have valuable implications. Knowledge and understanding of these predictors of post-traumatic growth could be used by NICU staff and hospital administrators not only to improve parental distress and promote psychological growth but to prevent parental development of acute stress disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Have you and your team observed or facilitated post-traumatic growth in NICU parents? Share your experiences in the comments below.
