Citation

Lee K, Vasileiou K, Barnett J. J. Health Psychol. 2019; 24(10): 1334-1344.

Affiliation

University of Bath, UK.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/1359105317723451

PMID

28795604

Abstract

Loneliness is associated with life transitions such as new motherhood, yet there are few studies investigating the issue in this population. Using data from semi-structured interviews and an interpretative phenomenological analysis, this exploratory study sought to understand seven new mothers' experiences of loneliness. Experiences were organised around three themes, reflecting loneliness arising from making unfavourable self-comparisons with perceived mothering 'norms', from reduced social contact and relationships lacking in empathy. Accounts were homogeneous and point to potential solutions to ameliorate loneliness in new mothers; encouraging empathy in new mothers' partners and countering prevalent unrealistic representations of motherhood with more pragmatic accounts.

Language: en

Keywords

breastfeeding; health psychology; interpretative phenomenological analysis; loneliness; qualitative methods; women’s health