CONCEPTUALIZING PRENATAL ATTACHMENT: TOWARD A MULTIDIMENSIONAL VIEW

Abstract

ABSTRACT: In present paper, several theoretical issues are outlined as important to understanding of process of defining prenatal attachment. Each of issues is related to available research literature. In current article, it is emphasized that to understand prenatal attachment, a dynamic, multidimensional approach should be used. Additionally, this paper points to implications for future research and clinical intervention programs. KEY WORDS: prenatal attachment, pregnancy, maternal-fetal attachment, cognitive and emotional factors during pregnancy. INTRODUCTION From 1970s, researchers have been suggesting that pregnancy is a time when parents are developing their first attachments to their children (Leifer, 1977, 1980; Lumley, 1980, 1982; Rubin, 1975, 1984). Cranley, in 1981, added to literature by developing a more objective measure to quantify concept of prenatal attachment. Since then, there has been considerable research and discussion about definition of term, its measurement, variables that correlate with prenatal attachment and behaviors that correlate postnatally with prenatal measurements. In addition, there have been several review articles of expanding body of literature on prenatal attachment (e.g., Beck, 1999; Laxton-Kane & Slade, 2002; Muller, 1992; Salisbury, Law, LaGasse & Lester, 2003; and Shieh, Kravitz and Wang, 2001). The aim of present paper is to identify and examine some of issues that remain under discussion with regard to defining term, prenatal attachment. Defining Attachment An early definition of maternal-fetal attachment placed emphasis on maternal during pregnancy, for example, Cranley, in 1981, defined maternal-fetal attachment as the extent to which women engage in behaviors that represent an affiliation and interaction with their unborn child (p 282). Based on that conceptualization of concept, she developed Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale. As Muller, 1989, pointed out inclusion of term behavior suggested an action in response to stimulation, which, Muller stated was too restrictive and did not consider thoughts or fantasy. For purposes of her research, Muller defined fetal attachment as the unique relationship that develops between a and her unborn fetus. These feelings are not dependent on feelings woman has about herself as a pregnant person or her perception of herself as a mother (p 11). She developed Attachment Inventory with 27 questions intended to measure fetal attachment that was independent of mother's attitudes toward pregnancy and maternal role (Muller, 1989). More recently, Condon and Corkindale (1997) suggested that prenatal attachment referred to the emotional tie or bond which normally develops between pregnant parent and her unborn child (p 359). Condon, in 1993, developed Antenatal Attachment Inventory. From a summary of their research, and general research literature on prenatal attachment, Doan and Zimmerman (in press) proposed following working definition: Prenatal attachment is an abstract concept, representing affiliative relationship between a parent and fetus, which is potentially present before pregnancy, is related to cognitive and emotional abilities to conceptualize another human being, and develops within an ecological system. In sum, what all definitions share is an emphasis on importance of developing relationship (i.e., attachment) between a fetus and his/her parent-to-be. Some of definitions focus more on emotional components associated with prenatal attachment. Other definitions stress behaviors that express that relationship. The Doan and Zimerman definition orients attention to a number of other implications, some of which are: * pregnancy is not just a significant stage in and of itself, but that, also, it should be conceptualized as part of a developmental sequence that starts before pregnancy; * as part of a developmental sequence, some of attitudes and skills in pregnancy have their precursors in skills, abilities and experiences prior to pregnancy and have implications for behaviors and attitudes after birth; * one of cognitive skills that may affect level of attachment relates to ability to formulate an abstraction, e. …