Young Mothers Have Forgot How to Love Children

In modern society, the issue of reducing maternal love and care for children is increasingly being discussed. A study conducted by employees of the Scientific Center for Mental Health of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, G. Kozlovskaya, L. Kremneva and N. Rimashevskaya, confirms concern about this phenomenon. The results of the study show that only 3-4 percent of mothers can be called truly maternal.

I wonder what happens to the maternal instinct, which has ensured the survival of humanity for hundreds of thousands of years? What impact does a mother's behavior have on the mental development of her child? And why don’t modern girls strive to become wives and mothers? The head of the study, Doctor of Medical Sciences Galina Kozlovskaya, talks about these issues with columnist Tatyana Batenevo.

One common assumption is that maternal love and selflessness are based on purely biological mechanisms. However, Galina Kozlovskaya points out that this statement is more applicable to the animal world, where the interaction between mother and offspring is determined by genetic programs. Unlike animals, people are capable of learning and shaping their behavior. Motherhood is not only a biological function, but also a social role, the value of which is determined by society.

The crisis of maternal function is a social phenomenon. Galina Kozlovskaya notes that in the animal world, interaction with offspring is based on goodwill, condescension, affection, patience and severity at the same time. Animals never deprive their young of such important things as food and protection. However, in modern society there are more and more manifestations of aggression and cruelty towards children. The number of cases of violence against children is reaching such proportions that we can talk about a critical period for society and its future.

The study by Galina Kozlovskaya and her colleagues included about 100 women, starting during pregnancy and tracking the child's development until the age of 4. The results made it possible to identify four types of maternal behavior, each of which has a different impact on the mental and physical health of the child. Researchers have used a variety of observation methods, but it is often possible to determine a mother's competence from her first interactions with her child, such as a doctor's visit.

Galina Kozlovskaya emphasizes that motherhood requires special competence. The desire to learn to be a mother and love aimed at the benefit of the child are a manifestation of this competence. The lack of this competence can be noticeable and have a negative impact on the child's development.

Thus, the study of Galina Kozlovskaya and her colleagues confirms the existence of a problem with the formation of maternal love and care in modern society. Changes in the social environment and sociocultural values ​​can influence the role of the mother and her attitude towards children. However, awareness of the importance of maternal love and efforts to educate and support new mothers can help overcome this crisis and ensure the healthy development of children.

Based on the results of the study, it is necessary to draw public attention to this problem and take appropriate steps to support young mothers. This may include motherhood education programs, opportunities to reconcile family and professional life, and raising awareness of the importance of mental health for mothers and their children.

In conclusion, it is necessary to recognize the problem with the formation of maternal love and care in modern society. However, with awareness and support, steps can be taken to change this situation and ensure a prosperous future for children and society as a whole.