The purpose of this paper is to summarize the theoretical framework, hypotheses, methodology, findings and conclusions of an article authored by Armstrong, Fraser, Dadds and Morris (1999) on mother-child attachment during the postpartum period in families where children are substantially at risk for poor health and development outcomes. Following the presented summary, an analysis is presented of both the positive features and the limitations of the conducted research. The findings and conclusions of the article are also related to the practice of midwifery.
The theoretical or conceptual underpinnings of this study consisted of the body of research and theory on mother-infant attachment, especially as related to homes where children are at risk for poor health and negative developmental outcomes as a result of parents' perceptions of high stress and depression levels during the immediate postpartum period. It was noted that the literature provided strong support for the use of home visiting programs for such families.
In an effort to determine whether the use of a home visiting program targeting families at risk for negative developmental outcome might affect mother infant attachment, Armstrong, Fraser, Dadds and Morris (1999) attempted to evaluate the impact of such a program. Although no formal statement of hypotheses was provided in the study it was informally noted by the authors that a good deal of the existing research indicated that such programs increase positive mother-child interactions and that such interactions increase mother-infant attachment bonding.
The population serving as subjects in the study consisted of women in the immediate postpartum period who had been drawn from a large hospital in the UK and who, as part of their hospitalization, had self-reported several vulnerability factors related to depression and stress to various salient hospital personnel. Subjects were recruited into the study following...