Separation anxiety among mothers of infants of Bijnor District of Uttar Pradesh

Background: Maternal separation anxiety is defined as an unpleasant emotional state tied to the separation experience, it may be evidenced by expression of worry, sadness or guilt. Extreme level of maternal separation anxiety can disturb the mother’s psychological functioning that contributes to dysfunctional mother-child relationship. Aims: To find out the maternal separation anxiety among working and non-working mothers of infant. Methods: The study was divided into 2 phases. In the phase I, 200 mothers (100 working and 100 non-working) were purposively selected. After 6 months in phase II same mothers were approached and 185 mothers (85 working and 100 non-working) were studied. The maternal separation anxiety scale was developed on five-point ratings. Results: In phase I non-working mothers showed high level of separation anxiety whereas in phase II working mothers showed high level of separation anxiety. Conclusion: Both working and non-working mothers showed separation anxiety. The difference of level of separation anxiety can be affected by various factors such as father’s participation in infant care and ending of maternity leaves. Local or state government should supervise the establishment of good and authentic child care centers to assist working and non-working mothers in taking care of their infants.