Emotional Competence and Pregnancy-Related Stress: A Cross-Sectional Study of Pregnant Women in Gujarat

Abstract

Pregnancy is a transformative experience, characterized by both joyful anticipation and challenges that can contribute to elevated stress levels. This study aims to examine the relationship between pregnancy-related stress (PRS) and emotional competence (EC), with a focus on group differences based on age, family type, parity, and trimester. The sample comprised 108 pregnant women, aged 19-45, categorized into subgroups by age (19-30 and 31-45), parity (nulliparous and primiparous), family type (nuclear and joint families), and gestational trimester (first, second, and third). The study employed a cross-sectional design, with participants recruited through purposive and convenience sampling from hospitals in Gujarat and online platforms to ensure demographic diversity. Data were collected using the Demographic Data Sheet, Pregnancy Stress Rating Scale (Chen, 2015), and the Emotional Competence Scale (Sharma & Bhardwaj, 1998). Pearson’s correlation was used to examine relationships between variables, while t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s HSD post-hoc test were employed to assess group differences. The findings revealed a strong, statistically significant negative correlation between emotional competence and pregnancy-related stress. Significant differences in PRS were found based on age and family type, with older women and those from nuclear families experiencing higher stress levels. EC scores were higher in younger women and those from joint families. Additionally, both PRS and EC varied significantly across gestational trimesters, with PRS peaking in the first trimester and being lowest in the second, while EC was highest in the second trimester and lowest in the first. No significant differences in PRS or EC were found between nulliparous and primiparous women. The findings suggest the potential role of emotional competence in reducing pregnancy-related stress and highlight the need for tailored interventions that consider demographic profiles and gestational factors to support maternal well-being, ultimately guiding multidisciplinary approaches to enhance maternal health outcomes.