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Identification with a Motherhood Role

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Psychosocial Adaptation to Pregnancy

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Abstract

Motherhood role identification progresses developmentally from the woman-without-child to the woman-with-child. The development involves a gradual unfolding of the role and recognition of the child as a separate being. Two factors are important to assessment of a woman’s role identification: 1. how motivated the woman was to assume a motherhood role and the specific motivations, and 2. the extent to which the woman prepared for the role. Often cited motivations for motherhood include confirmation of femininity, a fondness for children, a wish to reproduce a happy family life, fulfillment of a motherhood wish, and the desire to have someone to nurture and love. Preparation for motherhood entails envisioning oneself as mother, thinking about the characteristics one wishes to have as a mother, and anticipating future life changes that will be necessary. Examples of good, moderate, and poor preparation for the role are provided throughout the chapter with verbal excerpts made by women. Dreams and the emotive content of dreams aid in elucidating the mother’s concerns and conflicts about motherhood, and are discussed in detail. A woman’s life experiences of being mothered and parented are a factor in the resolution of conflicts. The expression of a philosophy of motherhood with specific examples of that philosophy is indicative of progress in role identification. Maternal–fetal attachment is part of maternal role evolution. Attachment behavior is associated with acceptance, nurturance, and protection of the fetus-newborn-child. Interrelationships are found among past childhood attachment representations and future infant attachment, adult couple attachment, maternal–fetal attachment, and maternal–infant attachment and are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas, Galveston, TX, USA

    Regina P. Lederman

  2. University of Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, USA

    Karen L. Weis

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Lederman, R.P., Weis, K.L. (2020). Identification with a Motherhood Role. In: Psychosocial Adaptation to Pregnancy . Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45738-9_3

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