A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Understanding Resilience in Parents: Longitudinal Examination of Trait Resilience, Stressful Life Events, and Psychological Distress Symptoms-Insights From the FinnBrain Study




AuthorsMondolin, Viivi; Karlsson, Hasse; Perasto, Laura; Tuulari, Jetro J.; Karlsson, Linnea; Kataja, Eeva-Leena

PublisherWILEY

Publishing placeHOBOKEN

Publication year2024

JournalStress and Health

Journal name in sourceSTRESS AND HEALTH

Journal acronymSTRESS HEALTH

Article numbere3516

Volume40

Issue6

Number of pages13

ISSN1532-3005

eISSN1532-2998

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3516

Web address https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3516

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/477197447


Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the persistence or changes in trait resilience of parents over a 6-year period and its association with stressful life events (SLEs). Furthermore, we explored the potential protective effect of trait resilience against exposure to stressful life events and their negative mental health consequences. The study population was drawn from the ongoing FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study and included 1388 mothers and 657 fathers who completed the CD-RISC-10 questionnaire during pregnancy and again 6 years later. Data collection involved self-report questionnaires, including CD-RISC-10, EPDS, SCL-90, and a questionnaire on SLEs. Data analysis utilised linear regression and statistical assessments. Parents in the highest or lowest quartile of resilience showed greater stability in resilience scores over time compared to those in the middle quartiles. Trait resilience during pregnancy was significantly associated with resilience 6 years later. SLEs did not moderate this association. Additionally, higher trait resilience consistently associated with lower levels of distress symptoms. The investigation of SLEs may require more nuance due to their event-specific variability of impact. Furthermore, the study's sample size of individuals who experienced a high frequency of stressful life events was limited. Trait resilience appears to be rather stable, but also susceptible to some change. Because of its persistency and the positive impact on mental health it is worthwhile to be assessed as a part of comprehensive evaluation of parents' mental health.


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Funding information in the publication
We would like to warmly thank all FinnBrain families that participated to the study. This research was funded by the Juho Vainio Foundation, Finnish Brain Foundation, Turku University Foundation, Academy of Finland (253270; 346790), Strategic Research Council (SRC) established within the Research Council of Finland (#352648, #352655), Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation, Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Emil Aaltonen Foundation, Finnish Medical Foundation, Alfred Kordelin Foundation, Hospital District of Southwest Finland, State Grants for Clinical Research, Orion Research Foundation.


Last updated on 2025-27-01 at 20:03