A Study on the Relationship Between State Anxiety and Maternal Fetal Attachment of Unmarried Mothers in a Welfare Center

Hwang, Ran Hee

Abstract

PURPOSE
The Purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between state anxiety and maternal fetal attachment of unmarried mothers in a welfare center. METHODS: The subjects were 25 unmarried mothers in a welfare center. The data was collected through personal interviews using a questionnaire. The instruments used for this study were the modified Spielberger's state anxiety inventory and Cranley's Maternal-Fetal Attachment Scale. Data was analyzed descriptive statistics, mean, standard deviation, t-test and the pearson correlation coefficient with the SPSS computer program. RESULTS: The age of the subjects ranged from 15 to 25, and their average age was 20.0. The mean score of state anxiety was 58.2. There was significant difference in the degree of maternal state anxiety between the group whose pregnancy was known by their family and the group whose pregnancy was hidden. The group whose pregnancy was known showed a low state anxiety score. There was a significant difference in the degree of maternal state anxiety by the gestational period. The group who were in the second and third gestational trimester showed lower state anxiety score than in the first trimester. The mean score of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) was 64.9. There were significant differences in the degree of maternal fetal attachment, by an ultrasound scan experience. The most frequently practiced attachment item was "I think the fetus is able to feel (mean 3.8) ". Unmarried mothers degree of state anxiety showed a negative correlation with the degree of maternal fetal attachment (r=-.25), but there was no significant difference between the two variables. CONCLUSIONS: The unmarried mothers made an effort in striving to reduce their high state anxiety and to enhance maternal fetal attachment. They also realize how to take care of their state anxiety.