Breastfeeding motivation and Self-Determination Theory
Miri Kestler-Peleg1, Merav Shamir-Dardikman2, Doron Hermoni3
1School of Social Work, Ariel University, Israel.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|September 16, 2015
Summary
Breastfeeding motivation significantly impacts maternal well-being. Autonomous breastfeeding motivation is linked to positive outcomes, while controlled motivation correlates with distress, according to Self-Determination Theory (SDT).
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Maternal Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Breastfeeding is widely considered optimal infant nutrition and maternal care.
- Most women initiate breastfeeding post-childbirth due to societal norms.
- Understanding breastfeeding motivation is crucial for maternal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a breastfeeding motivation scale based on Self-Determination Theory (SDT).
- To examine the association between breastfeeding motivation and maternal well-being in two quantitative studies.
- To test hypotheses derived from SDT regarding breastfeeding motivation.
Main Methods:
- Study I (2007): 130 mothers completed the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale.
- Study II (2008-2010): 236 women were assessed at three time points (pregnancy, 8 weeks, 5 months postnatal).
- Participants in Study II completed the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale and questionnaires on maternal well-being, self-efficacy, and attachment.
Main Results:
- The Breastfeeding Motivation Scale's structure was validated according to SDT.
- Autonomous motivation positively correlated with maternal well-being and self-efficacy.
- Controlled motivations were associated with distress and inversely correlated with self-efficacy; anxious attachment predicted both motivation types.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the applicability of SDT to breastfeeding motivations.
- Breastfeeding motivation is a key factor differentiating positive and negative subjective well-being in breastfeeding mothers.
- The study highlights the importance of autonomous motivation for positive maternal experiences.
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