Identity in Personal Recovery for Mothers With a Mental Illness

Overview

Journal Front Psychiatry

Specialty Psychiatry

Date 2019 Mar 26

PMID 30906268

Citations 4

Authors

Rochelle Helena Hine

Darryl John Maybery

Melinda Jane Goodyear

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Developing a "positive identity" is considered a core component of personal recovery, and mothering offers meaning in life and a valued identity. Few studies have highlighted the factors influencing identity within a personal recovery paradigm for mothers with mental illness. This study explores how mothers describe their identity in relation to recovery, including the factors that influence identity. Using constructivist grounded theory methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 women who were mothers and experienced mental illness. Women defined their self-concept broadly, accentuating motherhood, but also including vocational, community and social roles. Analysis revealed six categories: defining self, becoming a mother, being a "good" mum, feeling different, doing it my way and speaking out. Valuing identity in parenting was found to be linked to recovery. Services may facilitate personal recovery by supporting mothers to enhance a self-concept associated with mothering, as well as other diverse attributes and roles.

Citing Articles

Psychiatric in-patients who are parents: what interventions are tailored to their needs and how do they experience care? A systematic review and data synthesis.

Dunn A, Christiansen H, Elsby-Pearson C, Kramer J, Swinburn E, Platt B BJPsych Open. 2023; 9(4):e111.

PMID: 37345520 PMC: 10305023. DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.67.

A qualitative exploration of stakeholders' perspectives on the experiences, challenges, and needs of persons with serious mental illness as they consider finding a partner or becoming parent.

Dubreucq M, Lysaker P, Dubreucq J Front Psychiatry. 2023; 13:1066309.

PMID: 36713897 PMC: 9874152. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1066309.

Relational trajectories in families with parental mental illness: a grounded theory approach.

Patrick P, Reupert A, McLean L BMC Psychol. 2020; 8(1):68.

PMID: 32611368 PMC: 7329432. DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00432-2.

Mothering, Substance Use Disorders and Intergenerational Trauma Transmission: An Attachment-Based Perspective.

Meulewaeter F, de Pauw S, Vanderplasschen W Front Psychiatry. 2019; 10:728.

PMID: 31681040 PMC: 6813727. DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00728.

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