Factors Predicting Maternal Stress in Mothers with Infants

Maternal stress has been linked to psychological well-being and a greater likelihood of poor adjustment for both mother and child. Furthermore, higher levels of stress were predicted for mothers with a perception of limited partner support and/or low frustration tolerance. Sixty-one mothers of infants that were contacted via mail completed the Survey of Personal Beliefs (SPB; Kassinove, 1986), the Parenting Stress Index (PSI; Abidin, 1983), and a measure of partner support. A simultaneous regression analysis found that limited partner support and low frustration tolerance, when taken together, significantly predict maternal stress, although low frustration tolerance accounted for most of the variance found in a stepwise prediction method. Thus, these variables should be emphasized in cognitive-behavioral interventions aimed at reducing maternal stress in mothers of infants.