How do mother’s view their baby’s emotional and social development
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of the factors that influence maternal perceptions and use of knowledge relating to their infant’s mental health
IRAS ID
199133
Contact name
Jane Peters
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Plymouth University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 1 days
Research summary
This research aims to study the factors that influence maternal perceptions and use of knowledge relating to their infant’s emotional and social development using an ethnographic longitudinal study design. This study design will allow the researcher to focus on the lived experiences of mothers within their chosen environment over a 12-15 month period as they progress through the first year of their baby’s life. Participants will be offered the opportunity to join the study via local midwifery services, or social media sites at between 31-36 weeks of pregnancy, the researcher will make an initial visit to the expectant mother at/ or after 34 weeks of pregnancy, following up with subsequent contact at approximately 4-6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months after the birth. This will provide an opportunity to observe and interact with mother and infant as their relationship develops over the first year of life. A follow up visit is planned when the infant is aged 12 months, so that participants can reflect on the research and the emergent findings. Data will be collected using semi structured interviews, observation and photos/recording of events taken by the participant. The data will take the form of narrative and dialogic/performance method of data analysis used.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0163
Date of REC Opinion
8 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion