The relationship between maternal–fetal attachment and maternal self-efficacy in Iranian women: a prospective study. (27th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Delavari, Mina; Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, Sakineh; Mirghafurvand, Mojgan
• Is Part Of: Journal of reproductive and infant psychology. Volume 36:Number 3(2018)
• Page Start: 302
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2018-05-27
• Subjects: Maternal–fetal attachment -- postpartum -- pregnancy -- self-efficacy; Human reproduction -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Pregnancy -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Infant psychology -- Periodicals; Reproduction -- Periodicals; Child Psychology -- Periodicals; Women -- psychology -- Periodicals; 612.6
• DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2018.1436753
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-6838

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: This prospective study was conducted to determine the relationship between maternal–fetal attachment and maternal self-efficacy. Maternal self-efficacy contributes significantly to the mental health of the mother and infant. Maternal–fetal attachment facilitates maternal role attainment and might improve maternal self-efficacy. Methods: This study was conducted on 242 women. The data collection tools used included a socio-demographic and obstetric questionnaire, Cranley's Maternal–Fetal Attachment Scale, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Maternal Self-Efficacy Scale. A multivariate linear regression was used to estimate the extent to which maternal–fetal attachment affects maternal self-efficacy. Results: Pearson's correlation test showed a moderate but significant positive correlation between maternal–fetal attachment and self-efficacy ( r = 0.48, P < 0.001). The highest correlation with self-efficacy was observed in the domain of 'differentiation of self from fetus' ( r = 0.43) and the lowest in the domain of 'giving of self' ( r = 0.25). According to the multivariate linear regression, the domain of 'Interaction with fetus' had a significant relationship with maternal self-efficacy (P = 0.009). Conclusion: Maternal–fetal attachment would appear to be a factor related to postpartum maternal self-efficacy which suggests identifying and supporting women with low self-efficacy may increase maternal–fetal attachment and thereby maternal self-efficacy.