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The relationship between social support and maternal behaviors and attitudes: A meta-analytic review

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American Journal of Community Psychology

Abstract

Used meta-analysis to analyze 66 studies that evaluated the relationship between social support available to the mother and maternal behaviors and attitudes. Investigators sampled relatively homogeneous populations of white, middle-class, married mothers of young children without physical or mental disabilities. A variety of instruments were used to assess key study variables. Significant correlations existed between both emotional and material support and maternal behaviors. Implications of these findings for funding of family support programs and for professionals working with mothers are discussed.

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  1. Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Loyola University of Chicago, 6525 N. Sheridan Road, 60626, Chicago, Illinois

    Pamela A. Andresen

  2. Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago

    Sharon L. Telleen

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  1. Pamela A. Andresen
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Andresen, P.A., Telleen, S.L. The relationship between social support and maternal behaviors and attitudes: A meta-analytic review. Am J Commun Psychol 20, 753–774 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01312606

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