Predictors of prenatal attachment in mothers of twins.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the predictive relationship between prenatal attachment and selected demographic and biopsychosocial factors and to compare these predictors to those identified in previous research on maternal attachment in singleton pregnancies.


METHODS
A predictive correlational descriptive design.


METHODS
Data were obtained via mailed surveys.


METHODS
214 women expecting twins were recruited from a national mother of twins support group.


METHODS
Instruments included the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Norwood Social Support Apgar, Miller Prenatal Attachment Inventory, and a demographic data tool to collect data on perinatal factors of gestational age, infertility history, perceived risk status, fetal movement, and planning of pregnancy.


RESULTS
Women who were younger, with lower income, a history of infertility, greater self-esteem, who had experienced quickening, and were further along in their pregnancy reported greater prenatal attachment to their twins (Adjusted R2 = 19.4%, p < .001). Perceived risk, social support, and planning of pregnancy did not predict level of attachment.


CONCLUSIONS
Factors that influence attachment in women experiencing a twin pregnancy are complex, and much is still unknown. Development and testing of theory is needed to guide future research and practice.
Damato
Elizabeth G
EG
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106-4904, USA. egd@case.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D005324:Fetal Movement; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008423:Maternal Age; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D009769:Object Attachment; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000523:psychology*; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014427:Twins / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States