Maternal perceptions of the infant: Relationship to maternal self‐efficacy during the first six weeks' postpartum

Abstract

Mothers' perceptions of their infants and their own levels of self-efficacy contribute to developing maternal-infant attunement. The purpose of this investigation was to examine the associations between maternal perceptions of their own infants relative to other infants and maternal self-efficacy in a group of ethnically diverse, low-income, first-time mothers during the first six weeks postpartum. By employing a structural equation model approach, we explored relationships between the predictor (maternal neonatal perceptions) and dependent variable (maternal self-efficacy). Changes in maternal perceptions of their own infants significantly contributed to self-reported levels of self-efficacy while controlling for concurrent self-esteem. Maternal perceptions of her infant as less difficult than the average infant at six weeks postpartum predicted increased levels of maternal self-reported self-efficacy. The present study supports further exploration of the first six weeks postpartum as a sensitive period for targeting intervention and support, particularly for mothers and infants at highest risk.

Increasing parenting self‐efficacy: The Fussy Baby Network® intervention

“…In this study, the increase in parenting self‐efficacy was not explained by a decrease in infant crying. Previous research has found that parenting self‐efficacy is negatively associated with infant distress (Cutrona & Troutman, ; Leerkes & Crockenberg, ; Troutman et al., ) and parental perception of difficult infant temperament (Fulton, Mastergeorge, Steele, & Hansen, ; Teti & Gelfand, ), as parents who care for fussy or difficult infants often experience diminished confidence in their parenting capabilities. The increase in self‐efficacy or confidence in their ability to provide care was independent of the infant's challenging behavior, indicating that the increase in parenting confidence may have related more to variables within the parent than within the child.…”

“…Low levels of parenting efficacy have also been reported in parents of fussy or excessively crying infants (Cutrona & Troutman, ; Fulton, Mastergeorge, Steele, & Hansen, ; Leerkes & Crockenberg, ; Teti & Gelfand, ). Because parenting self‐efficacy is the result of successful or failed experiences as they relate to parenting (Bandura, ), employing soothing strategies that calm an infant may boost parenting self‐efficacy, while caring for an infant who is difficult to soothe might cause a parent to feel unsuccessful at parenting.…”

Validation of the Scale of Perceived Self-Efficacy of Maternal Parenting in Brazilian Sample

“…It is an especially dedicated instrument for the team of neonatal units advocating humanized models and empowerment of mothers as caregivers agents and allows teams to evaluate parenting skills in a more precise way 19 . The PAEPM scale is a tool to be also used in programs to support parenting during pregnancy and postpartum in the construction of maternal self-efficacy as an instrument of self knowledge 20 . Specifically, it provides information that can be used to strengthen those with parental responsibility to make choices that will enhance their ability to care for their newborn babies as members of their families [21][22][23] .…”

Understanding the Connection Between Attachment Trauma and Maternal Self‐efficacy in Depressed Mothers

“…The 10th question is a global self‐assessment that asks participants “In general, how good a mother do you feel you are with your baby?”). This tool has demonstrated validity and reliability across numerous studies and is often used in studies of the development of the mother–infant relationship (e.g., Fulton, Mastergeorge, Steele, & Hansen, ; Hess, Teti, & Hussey‐Gardner, ; Huth‐Bocks, Levendosky, Bogat, & von Eye, ; Troutman et al., ).…”