Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

Children whose mothers did not want them were more likely to be what compared to control children?

1. Less likely to have school-related problems later.

2. Less likely to be referred for psychiatric help as teenagers.

3. More likely to be underweight at birth.

4. Less likely to be breast-fed.

The correct answer is: More likely to be underweight at birth.

The context of the question relates to the impacts of maternal attitudes during pregnancy and early childhood on child outcomes. Research indicates that children whose mothers had ambivalent or negative feelings towards them during pregnancy are at a greater risk for various developmental issues. Specifically, these children are more likely to experience health problems, such as being underweight at birth. Being underweight at birth is linked to factors such as maternal stress, lack of prenatal care, and poor nutrition, which can be influenced by a mother's feelings about the pregnancy. When a mother does not want her child, it may lead to less attention to her health and the child’s needs during pregnancy, resulting in low birth weight. Low birth weight can contribute to a range of complications later in life, including developmental delays and increased susceptibility to health issues. The other options do not align as directly with the established research findings on maternal attitudes and child development. Therefore, the assertion that children whose mothers did not want them are more likely to be underweight at birth is supported by the literature on maternal-child relationships and their influence on health outcomes.