The effect of psychological resilience, social support, and birth stories on vaginal birth beliefs of pregnant women

Alpay S., AKTAŞ S.

Health Care for Women International, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/07399332.2026.2626915
  • Journal Name: Health Care for Women International
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, CINAHL, Educational research abstracts (ERA), Gender Studies Database, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index
  • Karadeniz Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, the researchers investigated the effect of psychological resilience, perceived social support, and birth stories on the vaginal birth beliefs of 428 pregnant women. The effect of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) variables on the Belief Scale for Vaginal Birth (BSVB) was 6.5% (R2adjusted = 0.065, F(2,425) = 14.656, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between BSVB total score and MSPSS and CD-RISC total score (p < 0.05). Exposure to positive birth stories through listening, watching, and reading has been shown to strengthen individuals’ confidence in the feasibility and benefits of vaginal birth (OR 1.176, 1.203, 1.265, p < 0.05, respectively).