Book reviewed in this article:
Childbearing motivations involve a constellation of socially defined and idiosyncratic meanings, some of which may not be recognized by the individual. A systematic delineation of the multiplicity of meanings related to childbearing provides a framework for investigating motivational conflicts that may thwart childbearing plans and contribute to problems of conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing.
Procedures used in a longitudinal action research program focused on the early period of family formation are described. Women and married couples—recruited into the program prior to the birth of their first child—continued in the program during pregnancy and the early years of parenthood, and during periods of infertility or voluntary childlessness. The procedures, designed to help participants assess their own readiness for parenthood and resolve family conflicts, may also be used to procure data in studies of child‐bearing motivations and conflicts.
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