State of the science of maternal–infant bonding: A principle-based concept analysis

Abstract

Objective To provide a principle-based analysis of the concept of maternal-infant bonding. Design Principle-based method of concept analysis for which the data set included 44 articles published in the last decade from Pubmed, CINAHL, and PyschINFO/PsychARTICLES. Setting Literature inclusion criteria were English language, articles published in the last decade, peer-reviewed journal articles and commentary on published work, and human populations. Measurement and Findings After brief review of the history of maternal-infant bonding, a principle-based concept analysis was completed to examine the state of the science with regard to this concept. The concept was critically examined according to the clarity of definition (epistemological principle), applicability of the concept (pragmatic principle), consistency in use and meaning (linguistic principle), and differentiation of the concept from related concepts (logical principle). Analysis of the concept revealed: (1) maternal-infant bonding describes maternal feelings and emotions towards her infant. Evidence that the concept encompasses behavioral or biological components was limited; (2) the concept is clearly operationalized in the affective domain; and (3) maternal-infant bonding is linguistically confused with attachment, although the boundaries between the concepts are clearly delineated. Key Conclusion Despite widespread use of the concept, maternal-infant bonding is at times superficially developed and subject to confusion with related concepts. Concept clarification is warranted. A theoretical definition of the concept of maternal-infant bonding was developed to aid in the clarification, but more research is necessary to further clarify and advance the concept. Implications for Practice Nurse midwives and other practitioners should use the theoretical definition of maternal-infant bonding as a preliminary guide to identification and understanding of the concept in clinical practice.

Assessment of the Socio-Demographic Factors Associated with the Satisfaction Related to the Childbirth Experience

“…Our results are with accordance of the findings of T. Lavender et al [15], but they differ from the results of C. B. Kinsey et al [19] and Y. Hauck et al [13]. It's may be due to the fact that these women sensed higher level of control, preservation of the body's integrity during a less traumatizing and self-mutilate experience.…”

“…In addition, C. B. Kinsey et al stated that a non-vaginal or traumatic childbirth can furthermore affect the bond connecting mother and child negatively, and this was associated to diminished maternal oxytocin levels during birth process [19].…”

Birth-related, psychosocial, and emotional correlates of positive maternal–infant bonding in a cohort of first-time mothers

“…The theory was later revised to suggest that although close physical contact is desired after birth, it is not necessary for the development of a health bond (Klaus and Kennell, 1982; Kennell and Klaus, 1998). In fact, difficulty with maternal-infant bonding may stem from either physical separation or a lack of emotional availability of the mother (Bicking Kinsey and Hupcey, 2013). Although there is research supporting the idea that birth circumstances may have a positive or negative impact on maternal-infant bonding, much of the research findings are contradictory (Bicking Kinsey and Hupcey, 2013).…”

“…Furthermore, measurement of a complex concept such as maternal-infant bonding can present challenges, and there are many inconsistencies in the way bonding is currently measured. A recent concept analysis defined maternal-infant bonding as “an affective state of the mother; maternal feelings and emotions toward the infant are the primary indicator of maternal-infant bonding” (Bicking Kinsey and Hupcey, 2013). Although behavioural observation is sometimes used to examine maternal-infant bonding, Bicking Kinsey and Hupcey’s (2013) concept analysis concluded that limited observation of maternal behaviour with the infant did not distinguish the state of a mother’s bond with her infant from other related concepts such as maternal confidence.…”

Emotional Rejection of the Infant: Status of the Concept

“…As Condon [68] has argued in his thesis, this ‘core experience can be assumed to be (maternal) love'. The recent review by Kinsey and Hupcey [69] of ‘the science of maternal-infant bonding' agrees that it is about maternal feelings and emotions towards her infant. The core of maternal rejection, therefore, is the diametric opposite - aversion, hostility, and hatred to the infant.…”