18~24개월 자녀를 둔 어머니의 영아에 대한 신념 및 신념에 따른 양육 실제

Beliefs About Infants of Mothers Rearing 18~24 Month Old Infants and Their Practices

Objective: This study aimed to understand mothers’ beliefs about infants and their practices. Methods: As a qualitative study, the participants were 11 mothers and their 18-24 month old infants. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations. Results: The participants’ maternal beliefs about infants were contrasted in terms of infants’ abilities and respect for infants. First, the mothers that perceived infants as competent beings, believed that infants can understand daily routine, communicate and empathize, and concentrate. On the contrary, the mothers that perceived infants as incapable beings, believed that infants lack the understanding of daily routine and the abilities of communication, empathy, and concentration. Second, the mothers that perceived infants as subjective beings, respected their infants, and their infants’ opinions when making decisions. On the other hand, the mothers that perceived infants as objective beings, believed that infants should be led by adults and their opinions as not being very important. Third, their maternal beliefs were closely connected to their practices. Conclusion/Implications: Since maternal beliefs about infants turn out to be significant in mothers’ thoughts and practices with their infants, it is necessary to figure out maternal beliefs about infants and support them to have more positive beliefs.