COMPANIONSHIP IN THE PERINATAL-PERIOD - A CROSS-CULTURAL SURVEY OF WOMENS EXPERIENCES

Recent research indicates that the nature of the companionship availab le for women during their transition to parenthood is important for ps ychological adjustment. The specific nature of the best provider and f orm of support is not yet well defined. Cross-cultural differences in women's preferences for supportive companions in the perinatal period occur. The present study explores what companionship is currently offe red and by whom, and women's reactions to this in three different cult ural groups.