Childbirth and Locus of Control: The Role of Perceived Control in the Choice and Utilization of Birthing Alternatives

• Main Author: Dawson-Black, Patricia A. (Patricia Ann)
• Other Authors: Kennelly, Kevin J.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: North Texas State University 1985
• Subjects: personal control; childbirth; home birth; hospital birth; Childbirth > Psychological aspects.; Control (Psychology)
• Online Access: https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc331471/

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the wives' perceptions of personal control over the process of childbirth were related to couples' choices and utilization of three birthing alternatives (home birth, unmedicated hospital birth, and medicated hospital birth). The wives' perceived control over the childbirth process was expected to vary inversely with the level of medical intervention in the birthing alternative chosen. The home birth mothers were expected to perceive themselves as having more control over childbirth than were the unmedicated hospital group mothers, and the unmedicated hospital group mothers more than the medicated hospital group mothers. The husbands' perception of their wives' perceived control in childbirth and their participation was also measured.