A qualitative investigation into the impact of parenthood: giving a voice to mothers with sight loss

in the UKHelen Molden

Doctorate in Counselling Psychology & Psychotherapy by Professional Studies

Metanoia Institute & Middlesex University

Introduction

• Research aims• Background to the research• Methodology• Progress thus far: data collection and

analysis

Research aims

• To give an in-depth view of the lived experience of mothers going through parenthood and its impact on their identity• To explore the types of emotional

support the mothers were offered

Background to the research

“The difficulty in being a blind mother is neither in being blind nor in being a

mother. It is in the attitudes of others, the invisible barriers, which

can separate me from other mothers and my children from their children”

Kendrick, D (1983) Invisible barriers: How you can make parenting easier. Disabled USA, 1, 17-19, p19

”

Methodology I• Research promoted through RNIB

media, small local charities and relevant online media• 10 participants chosen through

purposive sampling across the UK (9 interviewed by telephone)

Methodology II• Transcription, then coding using

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (Smith 1994)• Coding using counselling skills to

draw out implicit as well as explicitSmith, J. A. (2004). Reflecting on the development of interpretative phenomenological analysis and its contribution to qualitative research in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 1,39–54.

Findings thus far IDeveloping themes:

1.Children as motivating force – mother as model

2.Shame & guilt towards child – good enough mother concept

3.Role of anger & frustration – towards self and others

Findings thus far II• Key words across 3 interviews: • “frustrating”• “isolated”• “guilty”

Types of support• Public sector• Voluntary sector• Family and friends• Local community• Online