Abstract

Identification of factors that may lead to child maltreatment is important for intervention at the earliest point in time. Substance use can adversely impact the developing bond between mother and child. The formation of an insecure attachment relationship may place the child at a greater risk for child abuse or neglect. If the mother-child bond can be assessed during pregnancy then intervention relating to attachment and prevention of child abuse may be possible. The relationships between childhood history of and the potential for child abuse, substance use, and fetal attachment were investigated utilizing a sample of 56 pregnant women from a local clinic and jail. Participants ranged in age from 18 to 40 years and were between 10-40 weeks pregnant. Women completed 3 measures that assessed their childhood history of abuse, potential to commit child abuse, fetal attachment, feelings about pregnancy, and current substance use. Feelings about pregnancy appeared to have important ramifications for fetal bonding and the potential for child abuse.

LLU Discipline

Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Kiti Freier

Second Advisor

Gloria Cowan

Third Advisor

Louis Jenkins

Fourth Advisor

Vanessa Long

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Degree Level

M.A.

Year Degree Awarded

2003

Date (Title Page)

6-2003

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Substance-Related Disorders -- psychology; Pregnancy Complications; Maternal-Fetal Exchange; Child Abuse -- psychology; Mother-Child Relations; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Object Attachment

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 73

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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Included in

Psychology Commons

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