6.3.1 First-time mothers: Expectations of parental self-efficacy and social support (187)

Patricia Leahy Warren, College Lecturer & HRB Nursing & Midwifery PhD Research Fellow, Nursing Studies, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland Co authors: Geraldine McCarthy patricia.leahy@ucc.ie

Abstract:

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore first-time mothers’ expectations of parental self-efficacy and social support immediately after childbirth.

Background:

Becoming a mother involves a process of learning and integrating skills that are necessary in caring for a baby. A variety of factors are associated with facilitating the transition to motherhood. One of which may be self-efficacy in parenting and the other social support. Self-efficacy in early parenting is the mothers’ belief about her capabilities to meet the demands of a new parent. Efficacy beliefs are a major base for parental practices and constructing parental efficacy is considered a crucial step in mothering development (Bandura, 1997; Reece, 1992). Social support is also an important positive contribution during the transition to motherhood. By determining a mothers’ degree of parenting self-efficacy and level of social support in the immediate postpartum period, nurses and midwives may be able to identify mothers at risk for increased stress in their role of new parent and provide strategies that are tailored to meet the needs of these mothers.

Methodology:

A quantitative descriptive design was used. Data were collected from 100 first-time mothers using questionnaires measuring social support (Leahy-Warren, 2005) and parental self-efficacy (Reece, 1992) in the period immediately after childbirth. Data from the questionnaires were entered and analyzed using the Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS). Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data.

Findings:

Findings will be discussed on mothers’ early perceptions of self-efficacy in parenting. For those mothers with low self-efficacy, interventions to empower them in that new role will be discussed. First-time mothers’ expectations of social support will also be discussed. The focus will be on the types of support mothers expected (informational, instrumental, emotional and appraisal) and from what social network members (mother, partner, friends), including healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors) it was received.

Recommended reading list:

  • Bandura, A. (1997). Self-efficacy: The Exercise of Control. New York, Freeman & Co.
  • Leahy-Warren, P. (2005). "First-time mothers: social support and confidence in infant care." Journal of Advanced Nursing 50: 479-488
  • Reece, S. (1992). "The Parent Expectations Survey." Clinical Nursing Research 1(4): 336-346

  • Source of Funding: Other

    Amount in Funding: 100,001 - 500,000

    Biography:

    Patricia Leahy-Warren Professional and Academic Qualifications: MSc(Nursing) BSc (Nursing), Postgrad Dip PHN, RPHN, RM, RGN Current position: Health Research Board PhD Fellow, College Lecturer since September 2001 at the Catherine McAuley School of Nursing and Midwifery, University College Cork, Ireland. Teaching areas include public health nursing and nursing/midwifery research at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Previous professional experience: Over twenty years experience, both nationally and internationally in general, midwifery and public health nursing. Research interests: Postnatal Care, Postnatal Depression, Social Support, Public Health Nursing.