Autonomous motivation, self-efficacy, and psychophysical wellbeing in a group of Polish breastfeeding mothers- preliminary communication

Abstract

SummaryAim: The decision to quit breastfeeding is strongly influenced by feelings such as physical or psychological fatigue. Research shows that women with higher levels of breastfeeding self-efficacy are able to better cope with difficulties and continue to breastfeed for longer. The purpose of this study was to find out whether the autonomy of a mother's motivation has an effect on her breastfeeding self-efficacy. Furthermore, the study examined the relationship between breastfeeding self-efficacy and such indicators of well-being as the frequency of experiencing positive and negative emotions, life satisfaction and the occurrence of somatic symptoms. Method:The sample consisted of 93 breastfeeding mothers aged 21 to 42 years. The survey was conducted online. Participants answered a questionnaire measuring their level of autonomous motivation to breastfeed, their breastfeeding self-efficacy, the level of somatic stress experienced, the frequency of experiencing positive and negative emotions, and life satisfaction. Results:The results of the study confirmed that the more autonomous the mother's motivation to breastfeed her baby, the higher her breastfeeding self-efficacy. Self-efficacy turned out to be a significant predictor of the frequency of experiencing positive emotions, negative emotions, and somatic stress symptoms. No relationship was found between the mother's self-efficacy and her reported life satisfaction. Conclusions:Autonomous motivation in breastfeeding mothers has a positive effect on their breastfeeding self-efficacy. The higher the breastfeeding self-efficacy, the more positive the breastfeeding mothers' subjective experiences. High breastfeeding self-efficacy, which has a positive effect on the mother's well-being, may also contribute to longer duration of breastfeeding.breastfeeding, breastfeeding self-efficacy, autonomous motivation, psycho-physical well-being According to recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding (or natural feeding) is the "gold standard" in feeding infants. It is emphasized that breastfeeding is linked to numerous desired health and emotional outcomes, both for the baby and for the mother, bringing a range of social and economic benefits. Importantly, however, these positive effects of breastfeeding depend on its duration. According to the WHO, and other healthcare organizations, the optimal method is exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding up to the age of 12 months or longer [1][2][3][4].In response to these recommendations and numerous empirical studies supporting the advantages of natural infant feeding, programs and social campaigns have been implemented in Poland to promote natural feeding of in- Autonomous motivation, self-efficacy and psycho-physical well-being in a group of Polish... 59Archives of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, 2016; 3: 58-67 fants. For example, the Regulation of the Minister of Health of 20 September 2012, describing the procedures of care provided for a woman and he...

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