Personality Differences And Coping Strategies In Stress Symptomatology Among Pregnant Women In Enugu Metropolis

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the role of personality difference, coping strategy and stress

symptomatology among pregnant women in Enugu metropolis. Two hundred and twenty

pregnant women were selected from two hospitals in Enugu Metropolis. One hundred and ten

participants were selected from each of these hospitals. Three instruments were used to collect

data for the study namely: the brief cope scale (Carver, 1997), type A behavior scale (Omoluabi,

1997) and psychophysiological symptom checklist (Omoluabi, 1998). Hierarchical multiple

linear regression with variance was used to analyze the data collected to test the hypotheses of

the study. Results showed that, coping strategy was not significant predictors of stress symptoms

among pregnant women. Personality difference was not significant predictors of stress symptoms

among pregnant women. Stages of pregnancy significantly predicts stress symptoms among

pregnant women; with women in their first trimester experiencing higher levels of stress than

women in their mid/third trimester. The results were discussed and suggestions were made for

further studies. In conclusion, the findings suggest that pregnant women should use both emotion

focused strategy and problem focused strategy, psychological measures like relaxation and stress

relieving exercise for more effective coping in pregnancy

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