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The transition to motherhood : exploring attitudes and experiences of women in the perinatal period
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Cunnane, Helen (2023) The transition to motherhood : exploring attitudes and experiences of women in the perinatal period. DClinPsych thesis, University of Warwick.
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Official URL: http://webcat.warwick.ac.uk/record=b3973361
Abstract
This thesis explores two different areas of women’s psychological wellbeing in the transition to motherhood. Chapter one is a systematic review investigating the relationship between body image and maternal attachment in the perinatal period. Fourteen peer-reviewed, quantitative studies were appraised using narrative synthesis. Most studies concerning the prenatal period found that women with healthier body image were more attached to their babies. Studies covered broad aspects of body image including pregnant body experience, satisfaction with appearance and body boundaries. Studies of the postnatal period provided insufficient evidence to draw conclusions. The main finding of a likely relationship between body image and maternal-foetal attachment supports calls for further emphasis on bodily aspects of maternal adjustment in public health policy and clinical practice. Chapter two is an empirical study investigating mothers of twins’ experiences of psychological distress in the postnatal period. Reflexive thematic analysis of interviews with 12 women produced three main themes: ‘Overwhelming responsibility’, ‘A lonely path’ and ‘Surviving and thriving’. Distress was shown to emerge in the abrupt and exhausting transition to motherhood. Women felt unsupported and isolated in the postnatal period but increased social connection and appreciation for the unique benefits of parenting twins helped mothers to cope with distress over time. Recommendations are made, including enhancement of specialist roles for multiple birth midwives and health visitors and compassion-focused therapy groups for mothers of multiples. Chapter three is a reflective paper utilising a narrative-based approach to explore the researcher’s experiences of completing the empirical research study. Issues around power and identity are considered in detail. The paper covers the researcher’s path to deciding upon a research topic, challenges through the research process and hopes for the future, as influenced by the research journey.
Item Type: | Thesis (DClinPsych) | ||||
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Subjects: | B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics |
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Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): | Motherhood -- Psychological aspects, Mothers -- Psychology, Mothers -- Attitudes, Body image in women | ||||
Official Date: | July 2023 | ||||
Dates: |
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Institution: | University of Warwick | ||||
Theses Department: | Department of Psychology | ||||
Thesis Type: | DClinPsych | ||||
Publication Status: | Unpublished | ||||
Supervisor(s)/Advisor: | MacCallum, Fiona ; Stocks, Greg | ||||
Format of File: | |||||
Extent: | x, 175 pages : illustrations | ||||
Language: | eng |
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