Towards self-forgiveness and self-worth : journeys of birth mothers of children with FASD.
Date
2010-09
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to come to a greater understanding of the experiences of birth
mothers of children with FASD since the birth of their child. The principles of feminist research
practice were utilized throughout in order to give a voice to the women who participated in the
study. The research followed the general guidelines to conducting hermeneutic phenomenology
outlined by van Manen (1990). Purposeful sampling was used to recruit four birth mothers of
children with FASD who have been involved in the mothering of that child. Data was generated
through three semi-structured interviews with each participant, including a hermeneutic
interview in which the women participated in the process of interpretation. Data was analysed
using selective, detailed and wholistic methods and through the process of writing and re-writing
(van Manen, 1990).
The results focus on the social and emotional experiences of the women who participated in
the study. The experience of being a birth mother of a child with FASD is represented in a
discussion of four main themes: Living with the Past: Self-Forgiven, yet Always Present; Living
with Others: Judgement and Understanding; Living with the Self: Unworthy and Unfit; and
Living with Ambivalence: Mothering as a Birth Mother. The implications of this research in
relation to the understanding of the experiences of birth mothers of children with FASD and
potential supports are discussed.
Description
Keywords
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, shame, stigma, self-worth, guilt, FASD, mothering
Citation
Degree
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
Department
Educational Psychology and Special Education
Program
Educational Psychology and Special Education