Maternal self-esteem: from theory to clinical practice in a special care nursery.
Maternal self-esteem is examined from theoretical and clinical perspectives. The construct of maternal self-esteem is described, and infant and maternal factors affecting it are delineated. These factors include infant health, maternal perception of infant health, and newborn characteristics. Particular emphasis is placed on maternal perception of the infant's health and behavior. The preterm infant within the context of the special care nursery is used as a clinical illustration, thus bridging the gap from theory to clinical practice. General unit guidelines and clinical intervention strategies, for all disciplines, are suggested to enhance the maternal self-esteem of preterm mothers.
McGrath
M M
MM
University of Rhode Island, College of Nursing, Kingston 02881.
Meyer
E C
EC
D005260:Female; D015285:Hospital-Patient Relations; D006801:Humans; D007224:Infant Care; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology*; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D016487:Parenting; D012649:Self Concept; D014481:United States