The contribution of childhood experiences, maternal disintegrative responses, and self-compassion to maternal self-efficacy and role satisfaction: a prospective study

A mother's environmental and personal resources may contribute to, or be reflected in, her perceptions of maternal self-efficacy and role satisfaction. In a two-phase prospective study, we examined a model depicting the contribution of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences, maternal disintegrative responses, and self-compassion to maternal self-efficacy and role satisfaction in the first year after childbirth. In Phase 1, a convenience sample of 715 women with infants up to 16 weeks old was recruited through social media. Of these, 392 (54%) completed questionnaires in both Phase 1 and Phase 2, 6–10 months postpartum. The questionnaires assessed their adverse and benevolent childhood experiences (Phase 1), maternal disintegrative responses and self-compassion (Phases 1 and 2), and maternal self-efficacy and role satisfaction (Phase 2). Path analysis found no direct relationships between adverse or benevolent childhood experiences and maternal self-efficacy or role satisfaction. However, significant serial indirect effects were found for disintegrative responses and self-compassion in both Phase 1 and Phase 2. The model explains 33% of the variance in maternal self-efficacy and 52% of the variance in role satisfaction. The study identifies a combination of environmental and personal variables that contribute to the outcomes of maternal self-efficacy and role satisfaction, showing both negative and positive trajectories.