Matrescence Labratory
We area a social impact lab whose goal is to increase health literacy around the topic of Matrescence.
The matrescence laboratory arm of reproductive & maternal psychology aims to study the transition to motherhood, or "matrescence," as a unique developmental phase within the female lifespan trajectory. Few areas in psychology have developed as slowly as research and theory about mothers themselves.
Qualitative and quantitative research methods are used to examine aspects of adaptation to pregnancy and parenting. Individual differences in psychological strengths that increase resilience are measured alongside clinical indicators of risk for psychological distress. Perinatal psychopathology is critically reexamined and normative developmental processes are elaborated.
Findings from this research support the rationale for the creation of a transdisciplinary field of Matrescence in which mothers are subjects of interest in their own right, in addition to their traditional role as functional agents of child development. The psychology of mothers remains largely marginalized in scholarly and clinical inquiry as the empathic thrust or curiosity has not historically leaned in their direction.
This laboratory aims to redress the lack of research into the "interiority" or subjectivity of women as they become mothers, and to elaborate the language they use to describe their experience. This work contributes to alternative discourses already underway in sister social science disciplines (e.g., nursing, social work, midwifery). A feminist-informed, positive psychology, psycho-spiritual lens highlights the gendered and socio-political context of motherhood while honoring the transformative and growth-producing dimensions of mothering. Real world application to treatment, community, and academic settings is emphasized. Our core mission is to disseminate trustworthy findings on reproductive and maternal well-being for the public.
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.
12th C. Advent Hymn, Unknown
WHAT IS MATRESCENCE?
Matrescence is the process of becoming a mother.
Why is this perspective important?
Matrescence is a life passage and a time of transformation. Self-reflection on your matrescence journey helps to validate your individual experiences and can help ease psychological distress.
MY WORKING DEFINITION: Aurélie Athan, ph.d.
APA style Attribution: Athan, Aurelie. (Year, Month, Day of D/L). Working Definition. https://www.matrescence.com/
“In my expanded definition, the process of becoming a mother or matrescence, coined by Dana Raphael, Ph.D. (1973), is a developmental passage where a woman transitions through pre-conception, pregnancy and birth, surrogacy or adoption, to the postnatal period and beyond. The exact length of matrescence is individual, recurs with each child, and may arguably last a lifetime! The scope of the changes encompass multiple domains --bio-psycho-social-political-spiritual-- and can be likened to the developmental push of adolescence. Increased attention to mothers has spurred new findings, from neuroscience to economics, and supports the rationale for a new field of study known as matrescence. Such an arena would allow the roundtable of specialists to come together and advance our understanding of this life passage.”
- Aurélie Athan, Ph.D.