Abstract
In this study, the associations were examined among mothers' self-image, acceptance of pregnancy, attitude to infant care, and interactive behavior to the infants. During pregnancy, mothers rated images of themselves and their mothers, as well as their acceptance of pregnancy. They then rated twice, at one month and eight months postpartum, items related to their attitudes toward infant care. Also at three months, mother-infant interactions were observed at home. Results indicated that mothers' self-image and acceptance of pregnancy correlated with their attitude to infant care at one month, but not at eight months. Interactive behavior of infants and contingent responses of mothers moderately correlated with mothers' attitude at eight months. Thus, development of motherhood is associated not only with mothers' own factors such as self-image and acceptance of pregnancy, but with behavior of mothers and infants in their interactions.
