A descriptive correlational study to investigate factors that influence transition to motherhood in first-time mothers
Loading...
Date
1997-09-01T00:00:00Z
Authors
Petrowski, Barbara S.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This prospective, descriptive, correlational study was undertaken to identify relationships between transition conditions (meaning, expectations, level of knowledge/skill, social support, level of planning, and physical and emotional well-being) and indicators of healthy transition (subjective well-being, role mastery, and well-being of relationships). As well, the study sought to determine if any transition conditions predicted healthier transition to motherhood. Data were collected from a convenience sample of women (N = 61) once during the third trimester of pregnancy and again during the early postpartum period. Instruments used to measure defined variables included the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (1981), the Lederman, Weingarten, and Lederman Postpartum Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (1981), the Pridham and Chang What Being the Parent of a Baby Is Like Questionnaire (1989), five visual analog scales developed by the researcher, and demographic questionnaires. Correlation analyses were conducted using Pearson r correlation coefficients. Predictive analyses used multiple regression analysis and stepwise regression analysis. Results provided support or partial support for 6 of the 7 hypotheses proposed. Meaning of motherhood, expectations, and social support emerged as important predictors of healthier transition to motherhood. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)