E-Thesis 372 views 201 downloads
Understanding the lived experiences of mother’s coping mechanisms in the face of mental illness: An interpretative phenomenological analysis / DIANA SKIBNIEWSKI-WOODS
Swansea University Author: DIANA SKIBNIEWSKI-WOODS
-
PDF | E-Thesis – open access
Copyright: The Author, Diana Skibniewski-Woods, 2023.
Download (24.34MB)
DOI (Published version): 10.23889/SUthesis.63447
Abstract
This thesis examines the phenomenon of coping in relation to the lived experience of being a mother with mental ill-health. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was the chosen study approach, using semi-structured interviews to obtain in-depth accounts. Twelve women were recruited via soci...
| Published: |
Swansea, Wales, UK
2023
|
|---|---|
| Institution: | Swansea University |
| Degree level: | Doctoral |
| Degree name: | Ph.D |
| Supervisor: | Brown, Amy. and Terry, Julia. |
| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa63447 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Abstract: |
This thesis examines the phenomenon of coping in relation to the lived experience of being a mother with mental ill-health. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was the chosen study approach, using semi-structured interviews to obtain in-depth accounts. Twelve women were recruited via social media sites and invited to take part if they had experience of mental ill-health and had a child aged 0-2 years old. Interviews were conducted in three phases: phase one- six initial interviews conducted pre Covid-19 initial lock down; phase two- six follow-up interviews to capture longitudinal elements of consistency and variability in the data; phase threesix initial interviews conducted post Covid-19 initial lock down. The interviews were transcribed and analysed through engagement with the interview transcripts, recurring patterns of meaning were grouped together and the results were presented thematically. Through the study it was possible to give voice to women’s lived experiences of coping with motherhood and mental ill-health: coping was found to be in many instances a very practical affair for the mothers and the mothers were able to identify what was effective support for them. Mother’s emotional coping strategies predominantly featured self-talk with the mothers using rationalising self-encouragement to support their emotions. There was an emerging significance for the mothers in being able to have a sense of their own mental health, which was enabling to the process of taking back control. There is a bidirectional nature of coping within the maternal/infant dyad, which was recognised as a potential source of coping for women. In terms of planning for health and social care practice, supporting coping skills by building on existing strengths is felt to be important. Recognising that individuals are unique and have potential for strength and competence can offer a self-compassionate stance that can take account of individual vulnerabilities and coping choices. |
|---|---|
| Item Description: |
A selection of content is redacted or is partially redacted from this thesis to protect sensitive and personal information. |
| Keywords: |
Coping, mothers, mental illness, lived experience, strength, competence, self-compassion |
| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |