Perceptions of Motherhood for Mothers with Infants and Those with Toddlers Aged Three Years

—Analyses about Comparison and Related Factors—

Abstract

Aim: This study examined perceptions of motherhood by comparing the positive and negative emotions of mothers with infants and the positive and negative emotions of mothers with toddlers aged three years, and aimed to clarify the factors relating to these emotions.

Methods: Self-administered postal questionnaires were completed by mothers residing in City A, who had either four-month-old infants or three-year-old toddlers and who had received regular health examinations.

Results: No differences in positive emotions of perceptions of motherhood were observed between mothers with infants and those with toddlers aged three years. However, mothers with toddlers aged three years scored significantly higher for negative emotions than did mothers with infants. Stress scores were related to both positive and negative emotion scores for mothers with infants and for mothers toddlers aged three years. Additionally, mothers who had established a mental image of childcare during their pregnancy exhibited higher scores for positive emotions regardless of their child’s age.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that for the healthy development of perceptions of motherhood, it is important to provide long-term support to mothers by helping them reduce stress levels and establish a mental image of childcare during pregnancy.