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Psychoemotional characteristics of mothers of children diagnosed with spina bifida depending on the timing of diagnosis

https://doi.org/10.24884/2219-8245-2025-17-3-64-78

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study examining the psychoemotional characteristics of mothers of children diagnosed with spina bifida in relation to the timing of diagnosis. The relevance of investigating the relationship between the timing of congenital malformation diagnosis and the severity of maternal distress is substantiated. Contemporary data on the impact of having a child with congenital anomalies on parents' psychoemotional state are described. Standardized psychodiagnostic instruments were employed: the Spielberger-Hanin Anxiety Scale (STAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10). It was established that mothers of children with spina bifida demonstrate statistically significantly higher levels of state and trait anxiety, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress compared to the control group. Significant inverse correlations were identified between the timing of diagnosis and all psychoemotional indicators. Regression analysis confirmed that diagnostic timing explains 20% to 28% of the variance in maternal distress.

About the Authors

L. M. Frolova
Togliatti State University
Russian Federation

Frolova L.M., charitable Foundation “Spina Bifida” 20B Cheremushkinskaya St., Building 4, Suite II-2

Moscow



I. V. Kulagina
Togliatti State University
Russian Federation

Kulagina I.V., 445020, Samara Region, Togliatti 16B Belorusskaya St.



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For citations:


Frolova L.M., Kulagina I.V. Psychoemotional characteristics of mothers of children diagnosed with spina bifida depending on the timing of diagnosis. Medical Psychology in Russia. 2025;17(3):64-78. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.24884/2219-8245-2025-17-3-64-78

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