STRESS AND MATERNAL ADAPTATION IN FIRST-TIME MOTHERS MORE THAN 35 YEARS OLD

This prospective longitudinal study assessed relationships among variables of the early transition to parenthood and maternal stress and adaptation 1 year after delivery in primiparas older than 35 years. Life change scores at 1 month were associated with greater stress at 1 year. Positive self-evaluations of parenting early in the transition to parenthood were associated with greater confidence and support in mothering at 1 year. Compared with normative data, stress scores of study participants were found to be high. The importance of addressing early perceptions of parenting with older first-time mothers was supported. (C) 1995 by W.B. Saunders Company