Effect of Obstetric Violence on Traumatic Childbirth Perception Among Turkish Women: A Cross-Sectional Study

MERT KARADAŞ M., Akdag Topal C., USLU ŞAHAN F., YILDIRIM S.

Violence Against Women, vol.32, no.5, pp.1237-1255, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1177/10778012251409162
  • Journal Name: Violence Against Women
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, Gender Studies Database, Index Islamicus, MEDLINE, Psycinfo, Public Affairs Index, Social Sciences Abstracts, Urban Studies Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.1237-1255
  • Keywords: childbirth, maternal health services, obstetric, obstetric violence, psychological trauma, traumatic childbirth perception
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to examine whether obstetric violence predicts traumatic childbirth perception among women. This cross-sectional study included 307 women who gave birth within the healthcare system. Data were collected via an online survey using validated scales. Findings showed moderate levels of traumatic childbirth perception, with obstetric violence significantly associated with higher perceptions of trauma. Marital status, psychological history, pregnancy planning, conception method, and prenatal education attendance also influenced perception. These factors together explained 25.8% of the variance. Promoting respectful maternity care and trauma-informed practices is crucial for improving maternal mental health outcomes.