Age, psychological maturity, and the transition to motherhood among English-speaking Australian women in a metropolitan area

Camberis, A. L., McMahon, C. A., Gibson, F. L. and Boivin, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9498-1708 2014. Age, psychological maturity, and the transition to motherhood among English-speaking Australian women in a metropolitan area. Developmental Psychology 50 (8) , pp. 2154-2164. 10.1037/a0037301

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Abstract

In the context of the trend toward delayed parenthood, this study examines whether older maternal age is associated with greater psychological maturity and whether greater psychological maturity provides any adaptive benefit during the transition to motherhood. A sample of 240 predominantly English-speaking Australian women in a metropolitan area expecting their 1st baby (mean age = 32.81 years; 41% conceived after fertility treatment) completed measures of psychological maturity (hardiness, ego development, and ego resiliency) and pregnancy adaptation (maternal fetal attachment and formation of a maternal identity) in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and a measure of postnatal adjustment at 4–6 months postpartum. Structural equation modeling showed age was positively associated with a latent construct of psychological maturity, and psychological maturity was associated with more optimal adaptation in pregnancy and early motherhood. Both psychological maturity and pregnancy adaptation predicted positive postnatal adjustment. Age was indirectly related to adaptation through its relationship with psychological maturity. The relationships in the model applied regardless of mode of conception (fertility treatment or spontaneous). Potentially confounding contextual factors associated with older age at motherhood, higher education, and maternal and child health were included in the model. These results suggest that psychological maturity is a benefit of motherhood at older ages.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Psychology
Additional Information:	PDF uploaded in accordance with publisher's policies at http://www.sherpa.ac.uk/romeo/issn/0012-1649/ (accessed 27.8.15).
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
ISSN:	0012-1649
Funders:	Australian Research Council
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Date of Acceptance:	20 May 2014
Last Modified:	25 Nov 2024 18:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/75969

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