2016 Volume 36 Pages 71-79
Aims: This research aims to clarify how a mother’s experience of parental bonding (PBI) and internal working model (IWM) impact the development of the mother’s caregiving system, and obtain basic data to provide support that promotes development as a caregiver.
Method: A self-administered questionnaire was given to mothers who consented to participate in continuous research starting at 1-month postpartum. This paper discusses analysis of 150 mothers from whom valid responses were received at 12 months, 18 months, and 2–3 years postpartum. Research content covers attributes, development of the caregiving system (attachment-caregiving balance), PBI, and IWM.
Results: Correlations with the attachment-caregiving balance were seen in the 3 postpartum periods. A correlation between the attachment-caregiving balance and PBI was seen at 12 months postpartum, and between the attachment-caregiving balance and IWM at 18 months postpartum. Structural equation modeling shows PBI impacted IWM and development of the caregiving system at 2–3 years postpartum. PBI had no direct impact on development of the caregiving system.
Conclusion: A mother’s PBI impacts the development of the caregiving system at 2–3 years postpartum through IWM. This suggests that changing a mother’s awareness of PBI may lead to support that promotes development as a caregiver.
