Citation

Williams C, Vines SW. J. Soc. Pediatr. Nurs. 1999; 4(1): 15-23.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, University of Miami, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1999, Nursecom)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

10334008

Abstract

PURPOSE: To uncover what adolescent mothers view as their childhood struggles, their transition to the role of motherhood following a childhood of abuse/neglect, and their important relationships after they became parents. DESIGN: Qualitative, phenomenological. SETTING: Community-based parenting program for first-time mothers at risk for abusing or neglecting their children. PARTICIPANTS: Seven first-time mothers, ages 13 to 20, who reported they had been abused and/or neglected as children. All had healthy newborns. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the data: impoverished past, disintegration of relationships, emotional distance, problem fixing, and reconnecting. Participants described a process of using the experience of pregnancy and parenting as a mechanism for growth. Becoming a parent provided an opportunity to receive support from family members and to build more positive relationships. They viewed the experience as a second chance for a successful and fulfilling life.

Language: en