The document discusses Maternal Role Attainment Theory and its application to teen pregnancy. The theory was developed by Dr. Ramona Mercer and outlines four stages of becoming a mother: commitment and preparation during pregnancy, acquaintance and learning at birth, moving towards a new normal after birth, and achieving a maternal identity around 4 months postpartum. Adolescent mothers face additional challenges in attaining the maternal role due to their immaturity and the demands of adolescent development. Applying this theory, healthcare providers should support teen mothers and provide opportunities to voice concerns to aid in their development of a maternal identity.

1. Maternal Role Attainment Theory
Becoming a Mother
Applied to
Teen Pregnancy
VaLori Abad
Department of Nursing, William Paterson University
NURS 7300 Scientific Foundations
Dr. Brenda Marshall

2. The Problem
Although the US teen birth rate has been declining since 1991, the US teen pregnancy rate is substantially
higher than in other western industrialized nations (About Teen Pregnancy | CDC, 2021).
The process of becoming a mother requires extensive psychological, social, and physical work (Mercer, 2006).
It is a mother's affective state; maternal emotions and feelings toward the child that are the most important
indicators of maternal infant bonding (Kufakunesu, 2021).
Young maternal age and immaturity makes the mothers less responsive to infant cues thus deceasing mother
infant bonding (Kufakunesu et al., 2021).
First-time adolescent mothers deal with challenges that place extra demands not only on their stage of
adolescent development but also on their ability to adapt to their new role as a parent (Devito J, 2010, p. 25).

3. The Discrepancy
A new mother should be thrilled to bond with
her new infant immediately following birth, but
some situations can affect when and how well
the maternal role is attained.
o Mood Disorders
o Mother’s own illness
o Non-existent father
o Baby born with a defect

4. Maternal Role Attainment Theory
How it all Started
The Maternal Role Attainment Theory is a mid-range theory that was developed
by Dr. Ramona T. Mercer to serve as a framework for nurses to provide health
care interventions for new mothers and to support them in developing strong
maternal identities. Mercer’s theory was built upon the framework of her
mentor and professor, Reva Rubin, who had identified four tasks to achieve
maternal identity: ensuring safe passage for mother and child, ensuring
acceptance of the child, binding in, and giving of oneself. Mercer recognized
that motherhood continued beyond birth and then incorporated post-delivery
and maternal/child boding into her own theory. Mercer’s work includes
research experiences with teen mothers to mothers in their forties.

5. In 2004, Mercer changed the name of the Maternal Role
Attainment theory to Becoming A Mother and revised the
names of the original stages and so that they could be used
throughout pregnancy and the postnatal period. This theory is
also beneficial for nontraditional mothers, such as foster or
adoptive mothers, and others who are placed into the maternal
role unexpectedly. The concept of Becoming A Mother is to help
develop the attachment between the mother and the infant
that will continually develop as the infant grows.
Becoming A Mother
How it is Going

6. Stages of Becoming a Mother
(1)
Commitment, Attachment,
& Preparation
(formally ANTICIPATORY stage)
……………………………………………………………
o The mother begins to adjust to the
anticipated realities of her new role
o The mother fanaticizes about motherhood
o The mother adapts to the physical and
physiological changes of pregnancy
o The mother gets involved in prenatal care
and prepares for childbirth
(2)
Acquaintance, Learning,
& Physical Restoration
(formally FORMAL stage)
…………………………………………………………………
o The mother assumes the role at birth
o The mother relies on the advice of
others in making decisions
o The mother models learned behaviors
and conforms to social and family norms
(Mercer's Maternal Role Attainment Theory - Nursing Theory, 2020)

7. Stages of Becoming a Mother (continued)
(3)
Moving Towards a New Normal
(formally INFORMAL stage)
……………………………………………………………..
o The mother develops her own
methods of mothering
o The mother finds what works and
what does not work
o Mother becomes more comfortable
with her parenting skills
(4)
Achievement of Maternal Identity
(formally PERSONAL stage)
…………………………………………………………
o The Joy of Motherhood!
o Usually occurs four months post
partum
o Mother finds harmony and
competence in her new role
o Some mothers are so confident they
think about having another child
(Mercer's Maternal Role Attainment Theory - Nursing Theory, 2020)

8. Influential Factors
That May Affect Role Attainment
Mother
o Age at first birth
o Birth experience
o Early separation from infant
o Social stressors
o Social supports
o Personality traits
o Child-rearing attitudes
o Health
Child
o Temperament
o Cues
o Appearance
o Responsiveness
o Health status
Other
o Mother-Father relationship
o Family functioning
(Mercer’s Becoming a Mother Theory in Nursing Practice, 2017)

9. Applying the Empirical Theory to the Problem
Adolescent mothers are faced with not only
meeting the needs of their infant but also
seeking ways to satisfy their own needs,
therefore, they need understanding and
supportive healthcare providers who are able
to offer opportunities and services where
they can voice their concerns and frustrations
with being a parent.

10. References
About Teen Pregnancy | CDC. Cdc.gov. (2021). https://www.cdc.gov/teenpregnancy/about/index.htm.
Devito J. (2010). How adolescent mothers feel about becoming a parent. The Journal of perinatal education, 19(2), 25–34.
https://doi.org/10.1624/105812410X495523
Kufakunesu, L., Kasu, C., & Mugadza, G. (2021). Maternal and Infant Bonding: A Concept Analysis. Highlights On Medicine And Medical Science Vol.
6, 6(3), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/hmms/v6/7068d
Mercer’s Becoming a Mother Theory in Nursing Practice. Nurse Key. (2017). https://nursekey.com/mercers-becoming-a-mother-theory-in-nursing-practice/.
Mercer's Maternal Role Attainment Theory - Nursing Theory. Nursing Theory. (2020). https://nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/mercer-
maternal-role-attainment-theory.php.
Mercer, R. (2006). Nursing Support of the Process of Becoming a Mother. Journal Of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 35(5), 649-651.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1552-6909.2006.00086.x
Mercer, R. T. (2004). Becoming a Mother Versus Maternal Role Attainment. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 36(3), 226-32.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1547-5069.2004.04042.x

11. Questions