THE EFFECT OF PERCEIVED CHILDBIRTH TRAUMA ON MATERNAL FUNCTIONS

https://doi.org/10.71284/tjmhs.2026329

Özet

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between childbirth-related trauma perception and maternal functioning. A cross-sectional and descriptive research design was used, and the sample
consisted of 150 mothers who had delivered vaginally at Sinop Atatürk State Hospital. Data were
collected between June 2025 and January 2026 through face-to-face administration of the Descriptive
Information Form, the Perception of Traumatic Childbirth Scale (PTCS), and the Barkin Index of
Maternal Functioning (BIMF). The statistical analyses showed that the participants’ mean PTCS score
was 125.75±17.47, while their mean total BIMF score was 65.62±24.68. Regression analysis indicated
that the BIMF total score significantly and positively explained the variation in PTCS scores (β=0.262;
p=0.001). However, when the subdimensions of self-care, maternal psychology, infant care, social
support, and adjustment to motherhood were examined separately, none showed an independent
predictive effect on childbirth-related trauma perception (p>0.05). This finding suggests that the overall structure of maternal functioning may be more strongly associated with childbirth-related trauma perception than its individual subdimensions. Accordingly, postpartum care should address not only physical recovery but also mothers’ trauma perceptions, psychological needs, sources of social support, and adjustment to the maternal role. Early identification of childbirth-related trauma perception, strengthening woman-centered care practices, and improving access to psychosocial support services are also recommended.
Keywords: Traumatic Childbirth, Perception of Birth Trauma, Maternal Functioning, Postpartum
Period.