Transition to motherhood : effects of preparation and isolation upon a measure of mastery in primiparae

The concepts of preparation and isolation/social support were explored via an extensive review of the literature; the context of motherhood was also examined. The variables were investigated in terms of their relationship to postpartum depressive symptoms and self-confidence ratings. Subjects were 38 pregnant primiparous women reflecting a wide range of age, education, family income, and living arrangements. Subjects were seen twice during the ninth month of pregnancy, then one to two months postpartum. Prenatally, they were given a researcher-designed preparation inventory, several QIC's measuring quantity and quality of daily interactions, a BDI, a background questionnaire, and an interview. Postpartum, they were given a BDI and a second interview. The study consisted of two parts.

Part one was empirical, utilizing a multiple regression analysis to investigate relationships among behavioral measures and ratings obtained from interview materials. Part two utilized an informal clinical analysis of interview material to illustrate and elaborate upon the findings of part one.

The hypothesis that positive social support would predict post partum self-confidence was supported by the findings. Other hypotheses were not supported. Complex associations among the variables yielded interesting descriptive statements. Postpartum depressive symptoms were found to be significantly influenced by a combination of the rated quality of the early mothering experience and the amount of past experience with children. Positive mothering experiences and less experience with children influenced lower depression. Prenatal depressive symptoms, analyzed as a baseline measure, were associated with a three variable combination. Generally, aversive interactions with relatives and friends influenced higher depression scores. Quality of social support was the most important variable influencing postpartum self-confidence. The partner was suggested as the most significant agent for support. Prenatal interactions with relatives and friends negatively affected self-confidence. Quality of early mothering experience, labor-delivery experience, and source of initiation of interactions also affected self-confidence.