A German study on the impact of stress on interparental relationship strain after preterm birth

Abstract Background Relationship satisfaction is an important predictor of well-being. Few studies address the effects of stress on interparental relationships of parents with preterm infants. However, the experience of a preterm birth represents an extreme, stressful event and therefore may place a strain on a relationship. Our aim is to examine the impact of postnatal stress on maternal and paternal perceptions of relationship strain. Methods As part of the Neo-CamCare project, a retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted targeting parents with infants with a birth weight below 1,500 g. Linear regression was used to analyse the influence of stress on relationship strain. Results 437 mothers and 301 fathers participated. Data indicate that interparental relationship strain experienced by fathers (M = 2.61, SD = 1.46) is lower than strain experienced by mothers (M = 3.43, SD = 1.7). The stress level due to the infant's behaviour and appearance is lower in fathers (M = 2.53, SD = 0.95) than in mothers (M = 2.98, SD = 1.05). Stress due to parental role change is higher in mothers (M = 3.37, p = 1.04) than in fathers (M = 2.49, SD = 0.99). Regression analyses show that stress due to behaviour and appearance, as well as parental role change, can be associated with relationship strain in mothers. For fathers, only stress experienced due to the behaviour and appearance can be associated with relationship strain, whereas parental role change is not significant. Conclusions Our data illustrate that relationship strain can result from stress in mothers and fathers, indicating the need for stress prevention measures for both. Only mothers show relationship strain due to stress in their parental role. Although it is unclear what mechanisms underlie these findings, we assume that the maternal role is still primarily associated with child care. One way to relieve maternal stress could be to increase psychological support and the promotion paternal involvement in the postnatal period. Key messages Understanding the extent to which stress affects relationships helps to address mothers and father equally. Based on the findings, parent-centred interventions can be developed to manage relationship strains.


Background:
Relationship satisfaction is an important predictor of wellbeing. Few studies address the effects of stress on interparental relationships of parents with preterm infants. However, the experience of a preterm birth represents an extreme, stressful event and therefore may place a strain on a relationship. Our aim is to examine the impact of postnatal stress on maternal and paternal perceptions of relationship strain.

Methods:
As part of the Neo-CamCare project, a retrospective crosssectional study was conducted targeting parents with infants with a birth weight below 1,500 g. Linear regression was used to analyse the influence of stress on relationship strain. Results: 437 mothers and 301 fathers participated. Data indicate that interparental relationship strain experienced by fathers (M = 2.61, SD = 1.46) is lower than strain experienced by mothers (M = 3.43, SD = 1.7). The stress level due to the infant's behaviour and appearance is lower in fathers (M = 2.53, SD = 0.95) than in mothers (M = 2.98, SD = 1.05). Stress due to parental role change is higher in mothers (M = 3.37, p = 1.04) than in fathers (M = 2.49, SD = 0.99). Regression analyses show that stress due to behaviour and appearance, as well as parental role change, can be associated with relationship strain in mothers. For fathers, only stress experienced due to the behaviour and appearance can be associated with relationship strain, whereas parental role change is not significant.

Conclusions:
Our data illustrate that relationship strain can result from stress in mothers and fathers, indicating the need for stress prevention measures for both. Only mothers show relationship strain due to stress in their parental role. Although it is unclear what mechanisms underlie these findings, we assume that the maternal role is still primarily associated with child care. One way to relieve maternal stress could be to increase psychological support and the promotion paternal involvement in the postnatal period. Key messages: Understanding the extent to which stress affects relationships helps to address mothers and father equally. Based on the findings, parent-centred interventions can be developed to manage relationship strains.

Background:
The association between perceived discrimination and mental health in adolescents has been widely documented. Aim of this contribution is to show how the relationship between mental health and perceived discrimination at school, work or job training differs depending on socio-economic or migrationrelated determinants.

Methods:
The present analyses was conducted with data from German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) wave 2 (2014 -2017). Weighted linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the association between perceived discrimination at school, work or job training and behavioral problems in adolescents (14-17 years). Also, we examined the extent to which the association is moderated by the parents' income, education as well as the language spoken at home.

Conclusions:
A large proportion of adolescents experienced discrimination, with this being reported more frequently among young people with behavioral problems. Parents' income and education as well as the language spoken at home are relevant for this context. To ensure that health inequalities are not exacerbated by discrimination, targeted prevention measures are needed in these settings. These should address not only the individual needs of young people, but also the underlying conditions and thus aim to promote health equity in the long term, especially in already disadvantaged groups.

Key messages:
Perceived discrimination is important when considering mental health, whereby these associations may vary between socioeconomic and migration-related determinants. Prevention programs regarding discrimination are needed, which address individual needs and underlying conditions of adolescents, especially in already disadvantaged groups.

Background:
It is essential to listen to adolescents' views on mental health issues since these problems are common among young people.