Afectividad y Apoyo Social Percibido en Mujeres Gestantes: Un Análisis Comparativo

The purpose of this research was to compare positive and negative expressions of affectivity, both as a trait and as a state, with gyneco-obstetric and family functioning variables in pregnant women. 229 women attending a health services provider in Medellín were selected through convenience sampling. The panas (Robles & Páez, 2003) and family-apgar (Smilkstein, 1978) questionnaires were used, along with a survey of socio-demographic variables. According to the findings, women with higher positive affective traits show lower obstetric risk, while those with higher negative affective traits feature less planning of the pregnancy and a greater perception of family dysfunction. It was possible to conclude that the perception of family support and positive affective traits are elements that favor health during pregnancy, while negative affect constitute an obstacle for adaptation to motherhood and for the perceived family relations.