THEORY ANALYSIS - MATERNAL IDENTITY 1
Theory Analysis - Rubin’s Theory of Maternal Identity
Author Note
This author has no known conflict of interest.
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THEORY ANALYSIS - MATERNAL IDENTITY 3
Theory Analysis - Rubin’s Theory of Maternal Identity
As theories began to grow in popularity, it was identified that a process was needed to
determine if the theories were useful to the nursing profession. This step-by-step progression
involved analyzing a theory and its intended use. Since its inception, techniques were
recommended and implemented in the evaluation of theories and to help gain understanding and
relevance (McEwen & Wills, 2018). This paper will analyze the middle range theory of Rubin’s
Theory of Maternal Identity through the Chinn and Kramer approach. This method is based on a
dual phase that encompasses a six-element approach including purpose, concepts, definitions,
relationships, structure and assumptions (McEwen & Wills, 2018). This type of analytical
assessment is appreciated due to the continuous update which provides importance in the
analysis of the theory, the last update being in 2015.
Purpose
Rubin’s Theory of Maternal Identity was presented in 1967 and introduced the Maternal
Role Attainment (MRA). The purpose of Rubin’s theory, which began at the point of acceptance
of the pregnancy to one moth postpartum, is that the idea of becoming a mother has been
presented as a way to aid women in their journey to becoming a parent. Instead of focusing on
the physical aspect of pregnancy, nurses are trained to help women develop their psychological
attachment to the fetus then infant. Education by nurses to the woman is key that can help her
throughout pregnancy and labor, potentially improve birthing outcomes and the new mother’s
confidence in her role as parent which helps her evolve into motherhood (Rubin, 1967). Over the
years Rubin expounded upon her theory and went beyond the one-month postpartum phase. In
later years, Rubin’s student, Ramona Mercer built on Rubin’s model and grew it to a modern
model.
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Concepts
This concept is that a woman achieves the role of mother by developing a strong maternal
identity. It encourages a focus on the action of becoming a parent before the physical action of
the labor and delivery process. The development of becoming a mother is not just a physical act
but also involves social and psychological components. During this time a woman faces
exposure and challenges. This is an astounding time as a nurse to educate and help these new
moms with all things regarding their health and now of their pregnancy and eventual newborn.
This is a time to include the family in this new dynamic (Rubin, 1975). Initially Rubin’s 1967
was focused on the prenatal period of pregnancy and theorized the attachment phases began
before birth and the bonding that happened in the postpartum period was enhanced by the
prenatal phase (Rubin, 1967). Maternal identity adopting her view as mother and becomes
committed to her growing fetus. She sees the future of motherhood and family. It is during this
prenatal time that she may learn more about the birth process, seeking out others who have
experienced it. Stress can play a role in determining a woman’s confidence. Seeking out social
support for emotional, information, and evaluation.
Definitions
It is theorized that the transition to motherhood and family plays an important role in the
well-being and development of the child. The attachment a child has to its caregiver will be
foundational in future attachments and views of oneself therefore according to this theory,
attachment must begin prenatally from the time the mother accepts the idea of being pregnant.
Rubin assigned four tasks of pregnancy, each of which will help with the new mother
transition into her new role. Seeking a safe passage entails offering the knowledge to the woman
that encourages her to promote healthy behaviors that will ensure a safe delivery for both mom
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and baby. Ensuring acceptance of the child by mom and her social circle both during pregnancy
and after pregnancy. Attachment to the fetus or “binding-in” and future child is the next task. It
encompasses accepting the idea of being pregnant and eventually identifying that the fetus is a
separate entity, happening with the first felt movements during pregnancy. Lastly, learning to
give of oneself which embraces the idea of selflessly giving for the good of the pregnancy, fetus
and child (Rubin, 1967; 1975).
Relationships
Each of these tasks intertwine well with the outcome of a healthy child whose
development both physical and psychological is ascertained by the connection of the pregnancy
and the health of it providing a foundation for the growth of the child. A child’s development of
relationships is built on the definition of the attachment of their caregiver(s) and where their
inner dialog begins, their sense of worth and self. The development of secure or insecure is built
from this and their sense of trust. Essentially, the theory tasks are a crucial component to the
healthy development of the child (Trombetta et al., 2021).
Structure
The structure of this theory is consistent in its form which is evident from the
fundamental foundation that the same theorist and others after she have expounded from the
original theory. The basis that maternal identity is important for bonding and health of the
maternal dyad has grown many theories and research to educate and promote maternal and infant
well-being.
Assumptions
A woman’s perception of pregnancy, the fetus and her impending delivery are how she
identifies her world. Her social and learning level play a role in how she identifies herself and
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how she responds to influences and stress. The woman distinguishes between acceptance of
pregnancy and the role of motherhood once she understands the fetus as a separate entity and
defines it as such. Maternal identity and maternal attachment are dependent on each other and
develop tandemly (Alligood, 1998).
Upon reviewing Rubin’s theory, it is evident that this is a building block utilized to form
other theories which are not far off from Rubin’s original idea. Bringing the theory into modern
times there must be an incorporation of a father’s status, high risk pregnancies, infant death, and
single parenthood, to name a few. Upon investigation, it is apparent that there are many theories
intersecting with Rubin’s thoughts. This is encouraging as this will decrease infant and maternal
mortality.
Rubin continued to build upon her theory and saw the importance of nursing intervention
for a successful transition into parenthood. She began to understand not only the need for the
woman develop within her prenatal period, but that social support is vital for success and true
care of these women. It is clear that Rubin encouraged the honor and commitment that nurses
have when they help women “through the valley of the shadow that all women walk to have a
child” (Rubin, 1975, p. 1685).
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References
Alligood, M. (1998). In Nursing theorists and their work (4th ed., pp. 432–444). Mosby-Year
Book.
McEwen, M., & Wills, E. M. (2018). Theoretical basis for nursing (5th ed.). LWW.
Rubin, R. (1967). Attainment of the maternal role. Nursing Research, 16(3), 237–245.
https://doi.org/10.1097/00006199-196701630-00006
Rubin, R. (1975). Maternity nursing stops too soon. The American Journal of Nursing, 75(10),
1680. https://doi.org/10.2307/3423543
Trombetta, T., Giordano, M., Santoniccolo, F., Vismara, L., Della Vedova, A., & Rollè, L. (2021).
Pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment: A systematic review. Frontiers in
Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620942
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