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ABSTRACT: In the present paper, several theoretical issues are outlined as important to the understanding of the process of defining prenatal attachment. Each of the issues is related to the available research literature. In the current article, it is emphasized that to understand prenatal attachment, a dynamic, multidimensional approach should be used. Additionally, this paper points to the implications for future research and clinical intervention programs.
KEY WORDS: prenatal attachment, pregnancy, maternal-fetal attachment, cognitive and emotional factors during pregnancy.
INTRODUCTION
From the 1970s, researchers have been suggesting that pregnancy is a time when the parents are developing their first attachments to their children (Leifer, 1977, 1980; Lumley, 1980, 1982; Rubin, 1975, 1984). Cranley, in 1981, added to the literature by developing a more objective measure to quantify the concept of prenatal attachment. Since then, there has been considerable research and discussion about the definition of the term, its measurement, the variables that correlate with prenatal attachment and the behaviors that correlate postnatally with prenatal measurements. In addition, there have been several review articles of the expanding body of literature on prenatal attachment (e.g., Beck, 1999; Laxton-Kane & Slade, 2002; Muller, 1992; Salisbury, Law, LaGasse & Lester, 2003; and Shieh, Kravitz and Wang, 2001). The aim of the present paper is to identify and examine some of the issues that remain under discussion with regard to defining the term, prenatal attachment.
Defining Prenatal Attachment
An early definition of maternal-fetal attachment placed emphasis on maternal behavior during pregnancy, for example, Cranley, in 1981, defined maternal-fetal attachment as "the extent to which women engage in behaviors that represent an affiliation and interaction with their unborn child" (p 282). Based on that conceptualization of the concept, she developed the Maternal Fetal Attachment Scale. As Muller, 1989, pointed out the inclusion of the term "behavior" suggested an action in response to stimulation, which, Muller stated was too restrictive and did not consider thoughts or fantasy. For purposes of her research, Muller defined fetal attachment as "the unique relationship that develops between a mother and her unborn fetus. These feelings are not dependent on the feelings the woman has about herself as a pregnant person or her perception of herself as a mother" (p 11). She developed the Prenatal...