Mother's Age as a Predictor of Observed Maternal Behavior in Three Independent Samples of Families

The influence of maternal age in years and maternal age at first birth on mothers' emotionally affective behaviors to their children was assessed using three independent samples of families (n = 33, 38, 36). Two models of age effects were considered: one based on life experiences associated with age and the other on the continuing and chronic stress that may result from an early first birth. The results of the analyses indicated that chronological age had a negative impact on the positive behaviors of mothers suggesting that, over time, women may shift their priorities away from childrearing and become less attentive to that role. In general, age at first birth was positively associated with supportive maternal behaviors (e.g., praise and physical affection) and negatively related to aversive interactions (e.g., criticism and physical punishment). The discussion suggests that apparent discrepancies in recent findings regarding maternal-age effects may be understandable when compared with the results of the present study.

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