| Learning Objective #1: Discuss the differences in maternal competency between married and single mothers | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Discuss the research implications associated with maternal competency and transition to parenthood |
Objective: To examine the maternal competence of married and single mothers in early parenthood.
Design: Secondary Analysis; Descriptive-Correlational
Population, Sample, Setting: The convenience sample consisted of 80 first-time mothers who were surveyed in the postpartum period between six to eight weeks after childbirth. Of the 80 participants, 58 women were married and 22 were single. Study participants were recruited in postpartum units from two large metropolitan hospitals in Southeastern United States.
Concept: Maternal Competence
Methods: After consenting was obtained, participants were sent Gibaud-Wallston's (1977) Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSOC) to complete at six weeks after childbirth. The 17-item PSOC measures parental sense of competency in the parenting role (Gibaud-Wallston, 1977)and is divided into two subscales. The Skill/Knowledge subscale assesses the parental perception of the degree in which skills and understanding as a parent have been acquired. The Valuing/Comfort subscale measures the degree the individual values and is comfortable in the parent role. Higher scores reflect the parent's perception of functioning as a parent. In the study, the Cronbach alpha coefficient for the total scale was .87; the alpha coefficients for the Skill/Knowledge and Valuing/Comfort subscales were respectively .83 and .80.
Findings: Descriptive statistcs and T-test was used to assess data. Study findings indicate there was no significant difference between married and single mothers on the Skills/Knowledge subscale (p=.400); however, a significant difference was found between married and single mothers on the Valuing/Comfort subscale (p=.037).
Conclusions: Both married and single mothers perceived that they had acquired the necessary knowledge and skills to take care of their infants; however, married mothers valued and were more comfortable in the mothering role than single mothers.
Implications: Maternal competency of demonstrated infant skills may not ensure perceived maternal competency. More research is needed on single mothers' maternal thinking during transition to parenthood.
Back to Families at Risk
Back to 37th Biennial Convention - Scientific Session
Sigma Theta Tau International