Exploring a measure of maternal orientation in first time mothers

Bamford, Charlie (2018). Exploring a measure of maternal orientation in first time mothers. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Background:
Childbirth is widely perceived as a joyous event which should be celebrated, however for approximately 10% of women, postnatal depression can make this a difficult period (Cox et al., 1993). Postnatal depression can impact parenting style, interactions between mother and child, attachment, and cognitive functioning. Due to the significant impacts of postnatal depression it would be advantageous to identify women at risk, during the early stages of pregnancy. Raphael-Leff (1985) proposed maternal orientation as a vulnerability factor for postnatal depression, and on this basis, multiple measures have been created to identify women of a strong maternal orientation. One said measure, is the AMOM-R.
Aim:
To assess the internal validity of the AMOM-R, a measure of maternal orientation, using a UK sample.
Method:
50 first time mothers in their third trimester were recruited through a large Birmingham trust. Participants completed demographic information, the AMOM-R, the Edinburgh depression scale and the Multidimentional Perfectionism Scale.
Results and Conclusion:
The facilitator subscale of the AMOM-R had good internal validity (a=.65) however could be improved through deletiing three questions (a=.80). An insufficient number of participants were identified as having a strong regulator orientation in order to assess the validity of this subscale, however there is some suggestion, based on frequency of responses, that negatively worded regulator questions may be difficult for women to openly endorse, thus rewording these should be considered.
Finally, high regulator scores were associated with increased antenatal depression, whilst high facilitator scores were associated with decreased perfectionism.
The results of this study support the theoretical construct of maternal orientation, however also identify some assumitions that require modification.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):