Predictors of maternal identity of Korean primiparas.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify factors influencing maternal identity of Korean primiparas.


METHODS
The data were collected by a self-report questionnaire in 2006. The participants were 210 healthy primiparous women who delivered at one of three medical centers and revisited the outpatient department for follow up between 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth. Data were analyzed using the SPSS WIN 17.0 program with descriptive statistics, t-test, one way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple regression.


RESULTS
Maternal identity was significantly correlated with Taekyo accomplishment, the culturally based prenatal preparation (p<.001). Transitional gratification to motherhood (p<.001), postpartum depression (p<.001), childcare stress (p<.001), infant temperament (p<.001), and social support (p<.001) were also significantly correlated with maternal identity. The stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that maternal identity was significantly predicted by transitional gratification to motherhood, infant temperament, childcare stress, and Taekyo accomplishment. These variables explained 31.0% of the variance of maternal identity.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study suggest that postpartum nursing interventions to promote maternal identity should focus on reinforcing education and support for reducing childcare stress and infant difficulty, and increasing transitional gratification to motherhood. Also, prenatal encouragement and education for improving Taekyo accomplishment may be helpful to promote maternal identity after birth.
College of Nursing, Sungshin Women's University, Seoul, Korea.
Hyun Ju
HJ
Chae
Ju Eun
JE
Song
Sue
S
Kim
D000328:Adult; D044466:Asian People; D019052:Depression, Postpartum; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D033261:Maternal-Fetal Relations; D036801:Parturition; D012044:Regression Analysis; D056910:Republic of Korea; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013694:Temperament