Model Construction of Maternal Identity in Primigravida

Kim, Hae Won

Abstract

It was assumed that the maternal identity in primigravida is one of the most attribute of the motherhood, that is not biological but cognitive phenomena, appears active process as intelligent human being. The purposes of this study were that the identification the cognitive structure and the influencing factors of the maternal identity in primigravida. Theoretical framework in this study, maternal identity in primigravida was constructed as a cognitive output, has the cognitive structure of cognitive output, has cognitive structure of cognitive-perceptual factor, cognitive-behavioral factor, and cognitive-emotional factor. Influencing factors of maternal identity was constructed as a cognitive input, which were pregnancy related perceptions(pregnancy intention, minor discomfort, value of motherhood), interpersonal relationship(relationship with mother, relationship with husband, relationship with social network), preparation to motherhood(maternal knowledge, antenatal, self care), and biological factor(gestation period). This study was to descriptive correlational research design, was done from the 3rd January to the 15th March 1996, and the research subjects were selected conveniently 226 the primigravida during the gestation period, data collection method was self reported questionnaire cross-sectionally. Descriptive data analysis was done SAS PC+, testing the hypothetical model was done by covariance structural analysis using LISREL 8.03 program. The result of the hypothesis testing, the value of motherhood(gamma=.650, T=4.26) the maternal knowledge(gamma=.137, T=2.030), the gestation period(gamma=.113, T-2.621), showed significant causal effect on the maternal identity in primigravida. In conclusion, the maternal identity in primigravida had interrelated cognitive structure consist of perceptual, behavior, and emotional factors. Significant causal factors influencing the maternal identity were value identified. It seems to contribute toward the understanding the characteristics of the maternal identity as a cognitive domains that has been regarded highly abstract concept, so has not been validated empirically.