Recommendations for Future Research
Replication of this study with more participants from
varied cultural backgrounds, different age groups, and
demographic locations is needed to either confirm or
refute study findings in other populations. This
exploratory study generated a theory and model that may
be tested quantitatively in the future. Structured interviews
or a survey of a larger sample may be done. In addition,
research to determine if there is a demonstrative difference
in achieving maternal tasks between mothers with
HG and those experiencing a relatively normal pregnancy
is recommended. Although there were only three participants
who reported feelings of possessiveness and overprotective
behavior, this finding warrants further exploration.
Surveying the mother’s attitude about the infant in
the immediate postpartum period and again during early
childhood may help determine how prevalent this is in
women experiencing HG.