Predictors and correlates of maternal role competence and satisfaction.
BACKGROUND
Developing a sense of competence and satisfaction in the maternal role enhances positive parenting and healthy development of the child. There is limited longitudinal research on the predictive factors influencing maternal role competence and satisfaction.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to determine the predictive and concurrent associations of prenatal perceived maternal role competence, learned resourcefulness, social support, stress, and depression to perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at 6 weeks postpartum.


METHODS
A longitudinal, descriptive design was used. A convenience sample of 184 first-time pregnant women with a singleton and uneventful pregnancy were recruited from two regional public hospitals in Hong Kong. The Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, Self-control Schedule, Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, Social Readjustment Rating Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were used to assess maternal role competence and satisfaction, learned resourcefulness, social support, stress, and depressive symptoms, respectively. Data were collected during pregnancy and at 6 weeks postpartum.


RESULTS
Multiple regression analysis showed that perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at 6 weeks postpartum were predicted by prenatal perceived maternal role competence and learned resourcefulness and were associated with postnatal learned resourcefulness and depression. Social support and stress were not associated directly with perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at 6 weeks postpartum.


CONCLUSIONS
The present findings suggest that maternal learned resourcefulness and depression are important factors affecting perceived maternal role competence and satisfaction at postpartum. Culturally competent healthcare should be developed to promote the psychological well-being of women and to equip women with the learned resourcefulness skills to facilitate maternal role taking and enhance women's sense of competence and satisfaction in the maternal role.
Ngai
Fei-Wan
FW
School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Wai-Chi Chan
Sally
S
Ip
Wan-Yim
WY
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D054521:Cultural Competency; D005260:Female; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000208:ethnology; D011247:Pregnancy; D037841:Pregnant People / Q000208:ethnology; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012380:Role; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires