AbstractsOther

Contextualising parenting within a needs theory framework : a qualitative study

by Dianne McCormick




Institution: University of Johannesburg
Department:
Year: 2015
Keywords: Parenting; Mother and child
Record ID: 1428814
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13199


Abstract

Parenting plays a fundamental role in shaping a child's future. As such, understanding parenting processes is essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes for children and the promotion of competent child and adult functioning. The motivational processes that mothers employ within the context of parenting are not well understood. This study attempted to gain insight into parenting by exploring how a mother's psychological needs may be dramatized within the mother-child relationship. The research explores motivational forces relating to parenting by describing mothers' experiences ofbeing a parent and interpreting the descriptions within the Needs Theory Framework of Murray (1938). Three selected mothers took part in a qualitative enquiry. A semi-structured, three-phase interview process was used, which combined life-history interviewing and focussed in-depth interviewing. Results ofthe thematic analysis indicated that the mother-child relationship is experienced as a highly valued means of fulfilling the mother's need for relatedness, and that mothers experience a strong need to nurture and protect their offspring. A variety of conflicting needs may be experienced by mothers within their relationships with their children. The degree of difficulty experienced by a mother in a specific aspect ofparenting may relate to the complexity of interacting and conflicting needs. Mothers experience a strong desire to prevent replication ofnegative past experiences with their children, with the underlying need being to nurture the child and protect the child from distress. A particular unrnet need in the mother's past may shape the development ofa consistent pattem ofinteraction dramatized within the mother-child relationship. Subconscious emotional needs may unconsciously shape a mother's spiritual convictions, which in tum shape parent-child interaction. Finally, a mother may vicariously fulfil her need for recognition, affirmation and achievement through her children. Further research is needed to explore the various complex expressions of the mother's needs within the mother-child relationship as well as related subconscious processes, in order to gain greater insight into underlying motivation within the context of parenting.