On the relation of self-efficacy and coping with the experience of childbirth

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relationship between self-efficacy expectancies, the use of coping behavior strategies during labor and satisfaction after childbirth.

Methods: A quantitative observational design was applied as part of a correlational study conducted in the maternity unit of a Hospital Complex that welcomes nearly 4,000 births each year at Vigo, Spain, between 2014 and 2015. A total of 276 low-risk pregnant women were recruited to undertake a self-assessment of their childbirth experience at two stages: within the last three months of pregnancy and within two weeks after labor. Data were collected through the Childbirth Self-Efficacy Inventory to measure self-efficacy expectancies as well as coping, along with a 6 items, 10-point Likert scale to measure satisfaction after childbirth.

Results and conclusions: Pearson product-moment correlation supported the positive association of self-efficacy expectancies scores with coping during labor. Multivariate regression analysis also revealed gains in satisfaction after childbirth associated with coping during labor. Women with larger scores in self-efficacy were found to use coping strategies during labor, had a more positive evaluation of the childbirth experience and showed significant gains in satisfaction after childbirth. The study supports the efforts of healthcare professionals to increase satisfaction with the childbirth experience by helping to enhance self-efficacy and coping in pregnant women.