The Relationship Between Psychological Resilience and Stress Levels of Mothers Whose Premature Babies Are Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Having a premature infant hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a highly stressful experience for mothers and may affect their psychological well-being. Psychological resilience is considered an important factor that may help mothers cope with the emotional challenges of the NICU environment. This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological resilience and stress levels among mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the NICU. This descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 187 mothers whose premature infants were hospitalized in an NICU. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Psychological Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Parental Stress Scale. Mothers experienced notable levels of stress related to their infants' hospitalization. A significant negative association was identified between maternal stress and several dimensions of psychological resilience, including self-perception, future perception, family cohesion, and structural style. Strengthening psychological resilience through psychosocial support programs may help reduce maternal stress and support maternal well-being during the NICU hospitalization period.