The purposes of this study were to identify differences in maternal attachment according to maternal characteristics (socio-demographic, perinatal and self-efficacy variables) and identify factors influencing maternal attachment of first-time Jordanian mothers. A cross-sectional correlational design was used in this study. A convenience sample of 220 first-time Jordanian mothers was recruited during a period of three months in the summer of 2008. Participants completed a socio-demographic and perinatal data sheet, the Parental Self-efficacy scale and the Perceived Maternal Attachment Inventory. ‘Pleasure of proximity’ was the maternal attachment dimension that received the highest mean score, and the highest mean score on the maternal self-efficacy (MSE) measure was reported for the ‘situational belief’ subscale. A significant positive correlation was found between maternal attachment and maternal self-efficacy (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). Factors influencing maternal attachment were maternal self-efficacy, perception of marital relationship and pregnancy and delivery experience, which together explained 33% of the variance in maternal attachment (R 2 = 0.33). Maternal self-efficacy, a good marital relationship and difficulties during pregnancy and delivery are important factors that influence maternal attachment of first-time Jordanian mothers. Health care providers from Jordan and other parts of the world need to acknowledge these factors when dealing with the health and social well-being of mothers and their infants.