The Parenting Processes Led by Feelings of Mothers with Depressed Mood toward their Children

• Published in: Journal of Japan Academy of Nursing Science Vol. 39; pp. 174 - 182
• Main Authors: Katayama, Miho, Kitaoka, Kazuyo, Nakamoto, Akiyo, Kawamura, Midori, Morioka, Hiromi, Kawaguchi, Megumi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: Japan Academy of Nursing Science 2019
• Subjects: Childrearing behavior; Feelings toward a child; Mothers with depressed mood; Parenting process
• ISSN: 0287-5330; 2185-8888
• DOI: 10.5630/jans.39.174

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate parenting processes led by feelings of mothers with depressed mood toward their children.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers: six mothers who scored 9 or higher on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at a 1-month postpartum checkup at their hospital or during a newborn baby home visit; other six mothers who exhibited high levels of anxiety about childrearing and who had received childrearing guidance. A grounded theory approach was used as the research method.Results: These mothers, on a daily basis, “Did not understand their children and were irritated and distressed about them,” and over time experienced a variety of feelings while caring for their children. These feelings and behavioral processes resulted in the following consequences: “Impulsively resorting to violence,” “Neglecting or being incapable of attending to their child,” or, “Being thankful to their child.”Conclusion: This study suggests that it is necessary to provide support not to lead the process to the negative consequences. To avoid worst-case scenarios where mothers with depressed mood are driven to extreme behaviors or isolation, having face-to-face meetings with mothers is significant.