Maternal identity formation in a military sample: A longitudinal perspective

The individual growth curve perspective provided the foundation for a developmental framework of maternal identity formation and attainment in a military sample. Data from a military study of pregnancy adaptation to birth outcomes provided data for an investigation of change over time in conflict for prenatal maternal identity formation, and the impact of family adaptability, community support and military deployment on this trajectory. The individual slopes and intercepts of maternal identity formation were assessed for 421 active-duty women and wives of military servicemen in each trimester of pregnancy. Fitting of unconditional growth models indicated that significant variation in prenatal Acceptance of Pregnancy (ACCPREG) existed across time and rate of change for individuals. No evidence existed for significant change in Identification of the Motherhood Role (IDMORO). Significant variability existed in the conflict associated with IDMORO between individuals. Fitting of conditional growth models for ACCPREG and IDMORO predicted by Family Adaptability (FADAPT) and Community Support (SSI) showed that FADAPT and SSI significantly affected the conflict associated with ACCPREG and IDMORO, but not the pattern of change over time. First-trimester Deployment significantly affected conflict with ACCPREG. The ability of prenatal maternal identity formation to predict six-month postpartum maternal identity attainment was assessed for 113 women from the original sample. Identification of the Motherhood Role significantly impacted postpartum Satisfaction with Infant and Infant Care as well as Confidence in Motherhood Role and Tasks. Change over time in Family Adaptability and Community Support had significant affects on Confidence in Motherhood Role and Tasks. First-trimester Deployment on Identification of the Motherhood Role predicted Satisfaction with Infant and Infant Care. Prenatal Deployment was not predictive of any change in Confidence in Motherhood Role and Tasks. The findings provide information for appropriate timing of interventions to improve maternal-fetal and infant attachment and for policies impacting military families. First trimester maternal identity formation significantly impacted maternal role satisfaction at six-months postpartum. First trimester family adaptability and community support both decreased conflict associated with maternal identity formation and attainment. In addition, first trimester deployment, even with prenatal return from deployment continued to impact maternal identity at six-months postpartum.