The effect of extent of preparation on maternal adjustment

Studies of normal young women have shown that they experience moderate to high levels of stress during the process of transition to motherhood. Various researchers have investigated the influence of preparation on maternal adjustment. However, the results of these studies are conflicting. The purpose of this research was to determine whether extent of preparation for the new role of mother influenced the subsequent level of maternal adjustment. A questionnaire, devised by the researcher, was administered to thirty-six (36) mothers within six months of the birth of their first child. The names of potential subjects were obtained by visiting Lamaze childbirth preparation classes offered by Houston Organization for Parent Education (H.O.P.E.) and requesting volunteers. The data was analyzed using SCSS, the conversational analog to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Item-to-total analysis was used to test for reliability of scales. Correlational procedures were utilized to determine the relationship between the control variables and the dependent variable, maternal adjustment. The significant control variables, infant temperament and mother's health were introduced into a regression equation together with the independent variable extent of preparation. All statistical tests were performed at an alpha level of .05 . This study provided empirical support for the hypothesis that extent of preparation influences maternal adjustment. The research hypothesis was supported even when tested with the control variables. Extent of preparation explained 18% of the variance in maternal adjustment. The results indicate that the cumulative effect of participating in a number of preparatory activities was the basis for mother’s subsequent adjustment.