Keywords

Amniocentesis; Fetal Diseases; Genetic counseling; Pregnancy; Prenatal diagnosis

Abstract

Amniocentesis is one of the most widely used prenatal diagnostic techniques for congenital disorders. It was hypothesized that the psychological responses of mothers and fathers to amniocenthesis during high-risk pregnancies would be positively correlated on scales of Symptomatology (Anxiety, Depression, Anger, and Somatic Complaints) and Well-Being (Relaxed, Contented, Friendliness, and Somatic Well-Being). It was also hypothesized that Symptomatology would be negatively correlated with Well-Being. Nineteen couples, who were referred by their physicians, voluntarily participated in the study. Each partner completed the Symptom Questionnaire (Kellner, 1983), a self-rating scale of Symptomatology and Well-Being, in addition to the Pre-Amniocentesis and Post-Amniocentesis Questionnaires (original questionnaires developed for this study) at intervals prior to and following the procedure, while awaiting results. A Pearson product-moment correlation of the total scores revealed a positive correlation (p < 0.5) between the scores of fathers and mothers on the Symptomatology Scale, both pre- and post-amniocentesis (r = .47 and .47). In addition, there was a significant negative correlation (p < .05) between Symptomatology and Well-Being scores for both mothers (r = -.55 and -.60) and fathers (r = -.48 and -.74) at the pre- and post-amniocentesis periods, respectively. The hypothesis cannot be completely accepted because the positive correlation does not exist at the post-amniocentesis level. Mothers appear to experience more Symptomatology and less Well-Being than fathers at the post-amniocentesis level. The results are interpreted to suggest that fathers and mothers may both benefit from pre- and post-amniocentesis supportive intervention.

Notes

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Graduation Date

1985

Semester

Summer

Advisor

Blau, Burton I.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Clinical Psychology

Format

PDF

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0008164

Contributor (Linked data)

Burton I. Blau (Q57744323)

Accessibility Status

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