Matrescence and the Importance of Maternal Self-Efficacy - Jozie Sharpe

Year
2026
Organisation
University of Auckland
Tags
Matrescence
Early Motherhood
Maternal Self-Efficacy
Motherhood
Parenting
New Mothers
maternal mental health
Maternal Wellbeing
Parenting Confidence
Identity Development
neuroscience
brain development
social cognition
emotion regulation
empathy
child development
Infant Development
Parenting Research
maternal health
Women's Health
Postpartum
Transition To Motherhood
Early Parenting
family support
Community Support
social support
mental health
developmental psychology
Parenting Programmes
SPACE Programme
qualitative research
Maternal Identity
Mother-Infant Relationship
public health
Women's Wellbeing
Perinatal Health
Parenting Education
Family Psychology
Early Childhood
health research
Summary

This research examines how maternal self-efficacy develops during matrescence, the transition to motherhood. Through interviews with new mothers and analysis of the SPACE programme, it shows that confidence in parenting grows not from perfection but from supportive environments, highlighting the need to rebuild community support for new mothers.