Psychological Burden of High-Risk Labeling: A Phenomenological Study of Maternal Identity, Self-Efficacy, and Emotional Well-Being in Women with Complicated Pregnancies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59680/ventilator.v3i4.2649Keywords:
Emotional Well-Being, High-Risk Pregnancy, Phenomenology, Psychological Burden, Self-EfficacyAbstract
The high-risk pregnancy label assigned by healthcare providers not only indicates a clinical condition but also triggers complex psychological burdens on pregnant women. The psychological impact of this labeling is often overlooked in midwifery care approaches that focus primarily on biomedical aspects. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women labeled with high-risk pregnancies, focusing on maternal identity, self-efficacy, and emotional well-being. Methods: Descriptive phenomenological qualitative research. Twelve participants were selected through purposive sampling from the high-risk obstetric outpatient clinic at RSUD Kepri, Batam. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Results: Six major themes emerged from the analysis: (1) maternal identity disorientation, (2) erosion of self-efficacy, (3) multilayered emotional distress, (4) changing relational dynamics, (5) resilience and meaningful adaptation, and (6) therapeutic communication gaps. Participants described profound psychological struggles characterized by fear, guilt, uncertainty, social isolation, and disrupted perceptions of motherhood. Spiritual coping and family support emerged as important adaptive mechanisms, while inadequate therapeutic communication from healthcare professionals intensified emotional distress. Conclusion: High-risk labeling creates multidimensional psychological burdens that significantly affect the quality of life of pregnant women. An integrated care approach addressing both clinical and psychosocial aspects, along with enhanced therapeutic communication competencies among healthcare providers, is urgently needed.
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