2019 Volume 39 Pages 174-182
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.
