- Mothers of young children with genetic diseases show elevated PTSD symptoms, especially early on, with significant reduction in symptoms after six months.
- Posttraumatic growth declines over six months; mothers' perceptions of their parenting experiences are the strongest correlate of PTG.
- Temporal perspective most strongly predicts PTSD; interventions should target temporal and parenting perceptions to enhance resilience and adaptive coping.
J Pediatr Nurs. 2026 Oct 27:S0882-5963(26)00514-2. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2026.10.007. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The study aimed to explore the experiences of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among mothers of young children with genetic diseases, examining these phenomena from both a temporal and parenting perspective. Additionally, factors associated with these outcomes were identified and analyzed.
DESIGN AND METHODS: A six-month longitudinal follow-up study was conducted involving 76 mothers of children aged 0-3 years who had been diagnosed with a genetic disease before their first birthday. The study employed a questionnaire-based method, utilizing tools such as the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the Parental Burnout Assessment, the Kansas Inventory of Parental Perceptions, and the Family Resilience Assessment Scale.
RESULTS: The analysis revealed significant differences in the severity of PTSD symptoms and PTG symptoms. After six months, there was a noticeable decrease in PTSD symptoms, as well as a reduction in PTG among mothers of children with genetic diseases. The factor most strongly associated with PTSD symptoms was time perspective, while the perception of parenting experiences was the factor most strongly associated with PTG.
CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of young children with genetic diseases are at heightened risk for PTSD symptoms, particularly during the early stages of their child’s disease. The levels of both PTSD and PTG symptoms decrease over time.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Exploring the phenomena of PTSD and PTG in mothers of young children with genetic diseases, along with identifying key factors associated with these psychological outcomes, can inform the development of effective psychological support interventions. It is especially important to focus on the temporal perspective and mothers’ perceptions of their parenting experiences to enhance resilience and promote adaptive coping strategies within this group.
PMID:42946624 | DOI:10.1016/j.pedn.2026.10.007
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