Learning Objective #1: Discuss antecedents, consequences, defining attributes, and empirical referents of the maternal role concept

Learning Objective #2: Identify and discuss characteristics of a model case for the maternal role concept

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Maternal role is a concept significant to family nursing. The dynamic interactions that occur within the dyad of mother and child can have a significant impact on the entire family system and its subsystems. The nature of the relationship between the mother and the child has been studied extensively over the past century. Rubin (1984) developed theory for maternal identity and the maternal experience. Mercer (1995) has developed theory for maternal role attainment.

Though the concept of maternal role has been mostly associated with the female parent, it is not exclusive to one gender or one type of family relationship. As family structure continues to become more diverse, it is essential that the concept of maternal role be clearly delineated by the discipline of nursing.

The purpose of this poster presentation is to clarify the concept of maternal role for further theory development. The analysis of the concept will provide a foundation for generating a middle range theory that will describe the maternal role in African American mothers receiving hemodialysis as a treatment modality.

Walker and Avant's (1995) method for concept analysis was used to analyze the concept of maternal role. The analysis revealed nurturing, protecting, care-taking, and managing the affairs of the household as the defining attributes of the maternal role. Antecedents to the maternal role included pregnancy, birth experience, maternal identity, willingness to assume role and child bonding. Consequences were identified as child cognitive development, child attachment, social competence of the child, healthy child, child trust, role strain, and role conflict. Empirical referents of the maternal role included care-taking responsibilities, protecting the child from harm, knowledge of the child's development, and emotional and supportive activities. Further delineation of the attributes will assist nurses in adequately assessing the functional status of their clients who have assumed the maternal role