Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 Department of Midwifery, Neyshabur University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
2 Department of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Maternal attachment to the fetus is an emotional bond and the unique relationship
of the pregnant woman to the fetus. Attachment is an important predictor of mental health. One of
the psychological factors affecting mental health is resilience and hope. The purpose of this study
was to determine the relationship between hope and resilience with promoting maternal attachment
to the fetus during pregnancy.
METHODS: This is a descriptive correlational study performed on 386 pregnant women referred to
community health centers in Isfahan‑Iran. The research instruments were standard questionnaires
of Hope Snyder, Conor and Davidson Resilience, and maternal attachment to the fetus of Cranley.
Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation test.
RESULTS: The results showed that there is no significant relationship between the overall score
of maternal attachment to the fetus and the total score of hope (P = 0.73). The overall score of
maternal attachment to the fetus was positively and significantly correlated with hope subscales,
including thinking (P = 0.004) and path (P = 0.047). The overall score of maternal attachment to the
fetus was positively and significantly correlated with the overall score of resilience (P = 0.03). There
was a correlation between the dimensions of maternal attachment to the fetus, including interaction
with the fetus (P = 0.003) and self‑sacrifice (P = 0.015). Maternal role acceptance (P = 0.001) was
positively and significantly correlated with hope thinking subscale. Self‑sacrifice (P = 0.027) and
differentiation between self and fetus (P = 0.035) were positively and positively correlated with hope
path subscales. Self‑sacrifice (P = 0.03) and attribution to fetus (P = 0.001) had a significant positive
relationship with resilience.
CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that hope and resiliency are positively and
significantly associated with maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy. Hope and resiliency
are positively and significantly associated with maternal attachment to the fetus, thus increasing the
expectation of pregnant mothers to increase their attachment to their fetus. As a result, they are paying
more attention to prenatal care, which can guarantee the health of their mothers and their babies.
Keywords
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