The Perception of Mothers on What They Obtained through Participation in Community Activities and Characteristics of Those Activities

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to qualitatively and descriptively identify what mothers obtained through participation in community activities. Additionally, I examined characteristics of the activities that were possibly related to them.

Methodology: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 mothers of infants who actively participated in community activities. Data were analyzed qualitatively and inductively.

Results: I found that 6 categories emerged as to what benefit they received through participation in community activities. The categories were relief, confidence in their child rearing, connectedness with people in the community, decrease of anxiety, increase in trust in people in their community. Additionally, 5 characteristics of the activities were identified. They included fulfilling mother’s needs, developing connectedness between mothers and people in their communities, easing of their tensions that emerged from a sense of responsibility toward the child, and improving mothers’ self-esteem.

Conclusion: Participation to community activities bring mothers changes and effects on child rearing, mental health, and social health. Characteristics of the activities can be explained by the concepts, such as self-help group, empowerment, and social capital.