Relationship Between Psychological Well-Being, Emotional Intelligence Traits of Postpartum Mothers, Maternal Attachment, and the Motherhood Role

PURPOSE: To examine relationships among psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, maternal attachment, and motherhood role among postpartum mothers. METHOD: Participants were 390 mothers with infants aged 4 to 12 months. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWBS), Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire–Short Form (TEIQue-SF), Maternal Attachment Inventory, and Being a Mother Scale. RESULTS: Mothers with perceived low income, lack of social security, poor relationships with their spouses, dissatisfaction with childbirth, and lack of postpartum support were found to be less satisfied with their motherhood experiences (p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between being a mother and psychological well-being, TEIQue-SF total score, and subdimensions (p < 0.005). According to regression analysis, those with poor relationships with their spouses (β = 0.104, p = 0.026), low PWBS scores (β = –0.199, p < 0.001), and low TEIQue-SF scores (β = –0.267, p < 0.001) are significant factors affecting maternal role satisfaction by 21.1%. No significant relationship was found between maternal attachment and psychological well-being, emotional intelligence, and other variables (p > 0.005). CONCLUSION: Findings emphasize the importance of psychosocial support, spousal involvement, and emotional competence in improving the postpartum maternal experience.