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.
