The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
No Access

Some determinants of maternal attachment

Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.135.10.1168

The authors conducted prenatal interviews and behavior observation sessions with 46 families in which the woman was pregnant. These families were again interviewed and observed 7 days, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months after the child was born. The authors found that the most significant variable predicting the variance of maternal attachment was the length of separation of mother and infant: less separation was associated with greater attachment. The next most significant variable was birth experience, followed in importance by the length of labor and prenatal attitudes and expectations.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.