The Effects of a Maternal Self-Efficacy Promotion Program on Maternal Confidence and Mother-Infant Interaction

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a maternal self-efficacy promotion program for Korean primiparas on maternal confidence and mother-infant interaction. Method: This study was non-equivalent quasi-experimental research with a control group selected by purposive sampling. Based on Bandura’s (1986) self-efficacy theory, the research team developed the maternal self-efficacy promotion program. The program included achievement experiences, verbal persuasion, and vicarious experiences. The program was provided through face-to-face teaching at the time of discharge, counseling sessions over the telephone, and a home visit. Subjects also learned about parenting skills using a videotape developed by the research team. Sixteen primiparas were recruited to the experimental group at one hospital in Kyongi province, and fifteen primiparas who were matched according to socioeconomic status were recruited to the control group at a postpartum care center in the same province. Results: Subjects in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher maternal confidence and mother-infant interaction than those in the control group. Conclusion: The maternal self-efficacy promotion program appears to be an effective nursing intervention for parenting of first-time mothers in Korea.