Effects of family coping and resources on family adjustment and parental stress in the acute phase of the NICU experience.

To determine the relationship between family coping and resources and family adjustment and parental stress in the acute phase of the NICU experience. Correlational study based on the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation. Main study instruments included the State Anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Family Inventory of Resources for Management, the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, and the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device. Data collected from 124 mother and father pairs within two to four days of their infant's admission to the NICU. Family adjustment and parental stress. Adequate resources were more strongly related to positive adjustment and decreased stress than were either coping or being a first-time parent. The relationships among the variables were generally the same for both parents. Mothers utilized more coping strategies than did fathers. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: Families with limited resources should be identified early to facilitate their adjustment to the NICU. Show more