What factor is primarily related to the risk of PTSD in parents of NICU infants?

In the context of parents of NICU infants, the factor primarily related to the risk of PTSD is the parent's baseline coping mechanism. Parents who enter the NICU experience a unique and often intense emotional turmoil due to the critical condition of their infant. A parent’s ability to cope with stress, emotional strain, and the unpredictability of their baby’s health significantly influences their risk of developing PTSD.

Parents who possess resilient coping strategies are generally better equipped to manage the stressors associated with such traumatic experiences. This includes maintaining a sense of control, seeking social support, and engaging in positive coping techniques. Conversely, those with poorer coping mechanisms may feel overwhelmed and more helpless, increasing the likelihood of PTSD.

While the severity of the baby's sickness and length of NICU stay are certainly stressors that can contribute to the overall stress experience, they do not account for the individual differences in responses to these stressors that are largely influenced by a parent's innate coping style. Similarly, the size of the baby might have implications for medical care, but it does not directly correlate with the psychological impact on the parents. Therefore, the parent's baseline coping strategies play a crucial role in determining their vulnerability to PTSD in this high-stress environment.