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Maternal-fetal attachment: an integrative review
1College of Nursing, Rutgers University, 180 University Avenue, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. cannella@nightingale.rutgers.edu
Journal of Advanced Nursing
|March 25, 2005
Summary
This review synthesizes 41 studies on maternal-fetal attachment (MFA), finding that research is growing but requires diverse designs to expand scientific knowledge on prenatal attachment.
Area of Science:
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Psychology
- Nursing
Background:
- Maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) has been explored in numerous independent studies.
- A synthesis of existing MFA research is needed to evaluate current knowledge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review, categorize, and critique published research on maternal-fetal attachment (MFA).
- To analyze and interpret findings related to MFA.
- To evaluate the current state of knowledge and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- An integrative literature review was conducted, following five stages: problem identification, data collection, evaluation, analysis, and interpretation.
- A systematic search identified 41 relevant studies using databases like Medline and CINAHL.
- Keywords included MFA, parental-fetal attachment, and prenatal attachment.
Main Results:
- The review analyzed 152 findings from the 41 selected studies.
- Of these findings, 70 were statistically significant, and 82 were not.
Conclusions:
- Scientific knowledge regarding maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) is emerging.
- Continued research employing diverse methodologies is essential to further develop the body of knowledge on MFA.