The Relationship Between Fear of Childbirth and Levels of Psychological Well-being and Psychological Resilience

Objective: Pregnancy and childbirth constitute a significant life experience for women; however, due to uncertainty and lack of control, fear of childbirth (FOC) is a common condition. This fear may have an adverse effect on the psychological well-being and resilience of pregnant women. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships among FOC, psychological well-being, and psychological resilience in pregnant women.Materials and Methods: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a university hospital in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. A convenience sampling method was used. The sample consisted of 148 pregnant women aged ≥18 years, without high-risk pregnancy, and in the second or third trimester. Data were collected using the Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire Version A (W-DEQ-A), the Psychological Well-Being Scale, and the Psychological Resilience Scale. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlation analysis were performed.Results: The mean W-DEQ-A score was 62.72±31.27, the psychological well-being score was 44.56±9.99, and the psychological resilience score was 3.73±0.66. A weak negative correlation was found between FOC and psychological well-being (r = -0.341, p < 0.001), while a moderate negative correlation was identified between FOC and psychological resilience (r = -0.584, p < 0.001). Among the subdimensions of psychological resilience, future perception, self-perception, and social resources showed moderate negative correlations with FOC.Conclusion: Increased FOC was associated with lower psychological well-being and resilience. Midwifery interventions focusing on reducing FOC and strengthening psychological resilience may contribute to improved maternal mental health during pregnancy.