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
Authors: Mondolin, Viivi; Karlsson, Hasse; Perasto, Laura; Tuulari, Jetro J.; Karlsson, Linnea; Kataja, Eeva-Leena
Publisher: WILEY
Publishing place: HOBOKEN
Publication year: 2024
Journal: Stress and Health
Journal name in source: STRESS AND HEALTH
Journal acronym: STRESS HEALTH
Article number: e3516
Volume: 40
Issue: 6
Number of pages: 13
ISSN: 1532-3005
eISSN: 1532-2998
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3516
Web address : https://doi.org/10.1002/smi.3516
Self-archived copy’s web address: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/477197447
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.