Stress coping styles and personality traits of women exposed to obstetric violence: A comparative study

Aim: This study was conducted to evaluate the personality traits and coping styles of women who have been exposed to obstetric violence. Material and Method: The research was conducted between October 1, 2023, and March 30, 2024, with 398 women who applied to the Gürün Merkez Family Health Center for any reason and were surveyed after receiving services. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Obstetric Violence Scale, the Coping Styles Scale, and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. Results: 43.7% of the women participating in the study reported experiencing obstetric violence. The most common type of violence was applying pressure on the abdomen to accelerate childbirth, which occurred at a rate of 30.2%. It was found that among women who experienced obstetric violence, coping styles such as self-confident approach, optimistic approach, and seeking social support had low scores, whereas helpless and submissive approaches had high scores. Additionally, it was observed that personality traits such as emotional stability and responsibility were more prominent among women who experienced obstetric violence. Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that the stress and personality traits of women who are exposed to obstetric violence vary. In particular, with low self -confidence, optimism and social support search, high helplessness and submission tendencies, emotional balancing and responsibility increases the risk of exposure to obstetric violence. These findings show that a more humane and respectful approach to women should be adopted and health services should be improved in this direction, taking into account personality traits during birth.