Parent and infant attachment: review of nursing research 1981-1990.

PURPOSE

To determine what research information on attachment and bonding is available to nurses.

METHOD

A critical review was conducted for 26 studies on attachment and bonding published between 1981-1990.

FINDINGS

Studies had strength in their consideration of multiple factors hypothesized to influence attachment and bonding. However, methodological concerns are raised about validity of designs and tools.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses involved in clinical practice and research would benefit by clarifying their conceptions of attachment and bonding. Nurses can broaden their assessment base, including fathers' as well as mothers' perspectives, verbal and nonverbal behaviors, cultural differences, and interchange in the parent-infant relationship.