Factors Influencing Prefatory Maternal Response in the Primigravida

Abstract

A prospective survey with two data collection periods was conducted to test a theoretical model deductively derived from a conceptual system suggested by Rubin (1967a, 1967b, 1984). A sample of 123 primigravid women were recruited from 5 sites in the greater Portland, Maine area. Study subjects completed six questionnaires: (a) the Self-Coherence Survey; (b) the Hassles Scale; (c) the Uplifts Scale; (d) the Health Responses Scale; (e) the Support Behaviors Inventory; and (f) the Psychosocial Health Reproductive Tool. Data were analyzed by path analysis and correlated t-tests.

Major findings of the study supported the theoretical model that was proposed. The most dominant finding was the relationship between self-coherence and the dependent variable, prefatory maternal response. Self-coherence was directly related to prefatory maternal response in both path models and indirectly related to prefatory maternal response through the endogenous variables included in the model.

Endogenous variables that were significantly related to prefatory maternal response changed between data collection period 1 and 2. The first path model included hassles, uplifts, and well-being as significant influences on prefatory maternal response. The second path model included satisfaction with partner support, satisfaction with other support, and symptoms as significant endogenous variables.

The findings of this study provide support for the proposed theoretical model. Further research needs to focus on (a) the relationship of self-coherence to the endogenous variables in the system; (b) interventions to increase self-coherence; and (c) qualitative approaches to understand more fully the nature of the relationships between the study variables.