Date of Graduation

2008

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

Background. Maternal/fetal attachment plays an important role in the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. In addition, maternal attachment is an important component of maternal identity and is essential in promoting healthy growth and development in the child. The proposed theoretical Model of Maternal/Fetal Attachment provides a framework for understanding and investigating this process. Purpose. The primary purpose of this research was to develop and test relationships within a model of maternal/fetal attachment for use in research and practice. Methods. The proposed theoretical relationships between family relationships, maternal health practices, and antenatal attachment were examined using quantitative analysis. The study used results of questionnaires completed by pregnant women recruited from a hospital outpatient clinic and four Woman, Infant, and Children (W.I.C.) clinics in the mid-Atlantic region in the U.S. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the relationships among family relationships, maternal health practices, and antenatal attachment within the theoretical Model of Maternal/Fetal Attachment. Results. Research findings provide empirical support for the model concepts of family relationships, maternal health practices, and antenatal attachment, which work together to promote healthy pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion. The findings of this study provide preliminary support for relationships among three of the four concepts in the theoretical Model of Maternal/Fetal Attachment. Maternal/fetal attachment plays an important role in the health of pregnant women.

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