Evaluation of association between mother's attachment styles and prenatal attachment levels to her baby

Introduction: While some women easily adapt to psychological changes during pregnancy, some may have mental problems in this period. It is known that high-risk pregnancies increase the stress level in women. Many studies have shown the relationship between women's mental health during prenatal period and their attachment style to the baby they care for. Aim: The aim of the study was planned to contribute to the literature on the association between attachment styles of mothers and prenatal attachment to their babies and to explore the possible socio-demographic variables associated with maternal–fetal attachment. Method: Within the scope of the research, by creating a random sample a questionnaire study will be carried out by filling the informed consent form for the participation of pregnant women who applied to three Family Health Centers for pregnancy control. The data measurement tools determined by the researcher and applied to the participants were determined as the Sociodemographic Data Form, the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ), and the Prenatal Attachment Inventory (PAI). Findings: It was determined that the attachment style sub-dimension scores of the RSQ did not differ significantly according to the age variable. It is observed that participants under the age of 30 have higher PAS scores compared to older age groups, participants who have higher education level have higher PAI scores than participants with a lower education level, and participants who are primipar have higher PAI scores than those who have other children. It is observed that the indifferent attachment style scores of the participants with high income level are higher than the participants with low- and medium-income levels, and the participants with low-income level have more secure attachment and obsessive attachment style scores than the participants with higher income. Among the attachment styles, there was only a negative weak statistically significant relationship between the scores of the obsessive attachment style sub-dimension and the PAI scores. Among the attachment styles in the RS, there was only a negative weak association between the scores of the obsessive attachment style sub-dimension and the scores of the PAI. Conclusion: In this study, it was determined that PAI scores were higher in young participants, in those with a high education level, and in primipar mothers. Among the attachment styles there was a negative relationship between the scores of the obsessive attachment style sub-dimension and the scores of the PAI. The results need to be supported by future study findings in a larger sample with different cultural characteristics.