What happens when the abused child becomes a mother? A qualitative study of intergenerational trauma

Williams, Janet

Abstract

This research project has been inspired by recurrent rationale in the literature, arguing that preventative work with young mothers is key to breaking the intergenerational cycle of trauma. The topic of child abuse and its intergenerational effects reaches far into most sectors of society and therefore requires consideration from different psychological and social perspectives. Four main areas related to the intergenerational impact of child abuse were identified from the literature, broken down into the sub-headings of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), trauma, attachment and systemic considerations. In-depth interviews were carried out with eight new mothers who have experienced ACEs, to better understand the implications of childhood trauma on their mental health and wellbeing, with a key objective of identifying intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that impact their everyday lives. An additional objective was to obtain feedback on how supported or unsupported they felt by their community and local services, in order to consider what systemic factors may help young women in the perinatal stage to address and heal their trauma, so as to best prepare them for the role of motherhood. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was used to analyse the data. Five Group Experiential Themes (GETs) were identified that captured the participants’ common experiences. The first theme presented the women’s sense of unsafety and lack of containment in the world. The second and third themes covered their identity as a woman and in their new role as a mother. The fourth theme looked at attachment and relational challenges now as an adult. The final experiential code addressed all the data related to the secondary research enquiry, regarding trauma- informed support for women with trauma histories. The interviews give voice to those whose experiences may not otherwise be heard, in a way that may offer an additional bridge of understanding to those who work in the field of perinatal mental health. Moreover, this piece of research brings an important perspective to research aimed at informing those who have the responsibility to make local policy changes. In giving decision-makers a clear picture of challenges in the perinatal stage from the service users themselves, qualitative evidence can provide invaluable data for the future implementation of universal and targeted interventions.

Citation

Williams, J. What happens when the abused child becomes a mother? A qualitative study of intergenerational trauma. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11414192

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Nov 6, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 19, 2024
• Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs); childhood trauma; child abuse; child neglect; intergenerational trauma; prevention; perinatal mental health; perinatal stress; attachment
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/11414192
• Award Date: Feb 19, 2024