Adaptation to maternal role and infant development: a cross sectional study

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Child Health
• Developmental Psychology
• Sociology of the Family

Background:

• Maternal role adaptation is crucial for infant care and development.
• Previous research shows inconsistent effects of maternal adaptation on infant development domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the correlation between adaptation to maternal role (AMR) and infant development.
• To explore specific maternal adaptation factors influencing infant developmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 260 healthy mothers and infants.
• Data collected using the 'AMR in Iranian Primiparous Women Questionnaire' and 'Ages and Stages Questionnaire' (ASQ).
• Partial correlation analysis adjusted for age and gender was used.

Main Results:

• No significant overall correlation was found between the total AMR score and infant development (r = 0.06, p = 0.27).
• Significant correlations were observed between specific AMR subscales and infant development domains.
• Examples include 'support and consolidation of the couple's relationship' with communication, 'concern and anxiety' with gross motor skills, and 'attachment to the child' with personal-social development.

Conclusions:

• While overall maternal role adaptation may not directly correlate with infant development, specific facets do.
• Targeting maternal psychological and relational aspects may positively influence infant developmental trajectories.