Relationship dynamics: the protective effect of relationship satisfaction and dependency on parents’ mental health after having a preterm baby

Introduction Having a premature infant who is hospitalized with the risk of death and potential health problems traumatic experience for many parents. The present study investigated depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic growth (PTG) experienced by couples after birth their babies in terms relationship dynamics. Material methods was conducted on 209 individuals – 159 mothers (76.1%) 50 fathers (23.9%) had born at or before 32 weeks gestation. participants completed Relationship Assessment Scale, Emotional Dependency Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory, Depression, Anxiety, Stress sociodemographic form. For interpretation data, intervariable relationships were analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient, mediation models regression-based bootstrapping technique PROCESS Macro. Results satisfaction emotional dependency parents positive PTG following preterm birth. associated lower levels stress. correlated depression stress but not anxiety. mediating variables, it found that anxiety full role between did not. It determined partial Conclusions findings revealed importance establishing family- baby-centered neurodevelopmental neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). results suggested having healthcare professionals, primarily nurses doctors, make observations about dynamics during stay NICU guide to receive psychological support if they perceive weaknesses since such predict possible risks would functionality families. are discussed, future directions suggested.