Realistic Orientation and the Transition to Motherhood

Abstract

Current models of adjustment suggest that well-being is characterized by an optimistic, sometimes unrealistically positive self-view and worldview. In contrast, we propose that a Realistic Orientation—giving frequent thought to both positive and negative possibilities—better prepares people for difficult events. Two studies are presented assessing the effect of a Realistic Orientation in the context of the transition to motherhood. In Study 1, 181 women pregnant with their first child were assessed on their orientation to motherhood, optimism, and depression. Regression analyses indicate that a Realistic Orientation significantly predicts adjustment over and above optimism. In Study 2, 69 women expecting their first child were interviewed pre- and postpartum. Relative to those categorized as Positively- or Negatively-Oriented, those women categorized as Realistically-Oriented reported greater decreases in depressive symptoms from prepartum to postpartum. When the transition was accompanied by many unexpected negative surprises, those who had thought more about negative possibilities prepartum showed a decrease in depressive symptoms whereas those who had not given as much thought to the negative possibilities showed an increase in depressive symptoms. The data converge to suggest that an orientation to future events that includes frequent thoughts of both positive and negative possible outcomes promotes resilience in the face of adversity.

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