Perceptions of Stress in Parents of Preterm Infants in the NICU

Background: The NICU plays an important role in extending the life of newborns that are in need of specialized pediatric diagnostic and therapeutic services, however, it can be an unfamiliar and stressful environment that can affect parents’ perceptions and mental health. Objectives: The purpose of this literature review is to focus on parental perceptions of stress of premature infants as well as the negative effects on the psychological well-being of the parents. Method: This study will examine the impact of perceptions of stress in parents of pre-term infants while in the NICU through an integrative literature review. Different combinations of various search terms were used such as stress, distress, stressors, perceptions, perceived, perceive, NICU, neonatal intensive care unit, nurse, nurses, nursing, parents, maternal, paternal, preterm birth, preterm infants, premature infants, coping, mental health, psychological effects, and mental health outcomes. Results: Articles reviewed perceptions of stress parents experienced most often when in the NICU environment. These include alteration of their parental role, environmental factors, their infant’s appearance and behavior, and lack of staff support. High stress levels were associated with posttraumatic symptoms and psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety during time spent in the hospital and long after discharge. Conclusion: NICU nurses can address these perceptions of stress with empathetic communication skills and being aware of the importance of incorporating the parents as much as possible in their infant\u27s care