“The Perfect Mother”: a thematic analysis on the facilitators and barriers to psychological wellbeing in new mothers

Student, A., (2019) “The Perfect Mother”: a thematic analysis on the facilitators and barriers to psychological wellbeing in new mothers. Undergraduate theses, University of Chichester.

[thumbnail of A perfect mother.pdf] Text
A perfect mother.pdf - Submitted Version
Restricted to Registered users only
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (1MB)

Abstract

The challenges of motherhood in the first year since childbirth brings a significant adjustment on the psychological well-being of a woman. However, it is an area of the health sector that has limited research, despite it being recognised as one of the most life-changing experiences a woman encounters. Over recent years, there has been a significant increase in maternal mental health disorders which is currently costing society approximately £8.1 billion annually, along with a rise in divorce and separation rates. The aim of this research was to explore the psychological transition a woman experiences once her baby is born, contributing to previous research by specifically looking at both internal and external factors that improve or decline psychological well-being. A qualitative approach was adopted using the Change Interview Schedule on ten White British women from the South-East of England ranging from the age of 18 to 37, using thematic analysis for theme development. The findings from this study were that lack of emotional support from partners and health professionals had the biggest impact on the psychological decline of the mother’s well-being, whilst routine and organisation had the most positive influence on a woman’s psychological well-being. This study is also the first to explore positive experiences and strengths within mothers and provides an important insight into the critical time period that mothers require emotional and psychological support. The present study concludes that surrounding pressures and external factors are the causes of women feeling the need to become the perfect mother.

Publication Type: Theses (Undergraduate)
Uncontrolled Keywords: psychological wellbeing, mothers, baby, support, mood, facilitators, hindrance, family, relationships, expectation
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Divisions: Academic Areas > Institute of Education, Social and Life Sciences > Psychology
Student Research > Undergraduate
Depositing User: Wendy Ellison
Date Deposited: 04 Dec 2019 08:54
Last Modified: 04 Dec 2019 10:19
URI: https://eprints.chi.ac.uk/id/eprint/4951

Actions (login required)

View Item
View Item
▲ Top

Our address

I’m looking for