Women As Mothers and Grandmothers

Abstract

This chapter analyzes the literature on women as mothers; research reports published between January 1985 and December 1999 were reviewed. As in the past, almost all of the extant studies analyzed the experience of mothers in their children’s first year of life. Although therapeutic suggestions were made in many studies, relatively few interventions have been implemented and evaluated. More studies are needed that go beyond traditional family forms and that explore mothers’ role development over the full course of their children’s growth and development. Additional longitudinal research that views maternal role development as a process is indicated.