Mothering a child while participating in a substance use disorder program: A phenomenological study

Area of Science:

• Qualitative research
• Phenomenology
• Story theory

Background:

• Maternal mental health is integral to child well-being.
• Substance use disorder (SUD) programs require holistic support for mothers.
• Understanding the mother's perspective is key to effective care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the lived experience of mothering while in a substance use disorder (SUD) program.
• To explore the structure of meaning in the everyday lives of mothers undergoing SUD treatment.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study integrating phenomenology and story theory.
• Face-to-face story gathering sessions with mothers in SUD programs.
• Thematic analysis using Van Manen's approach.

Main Results:

• Six core themes emerged from mothers' narratives.
• Key themes include navigating daily tensions, experiencing relational pressures, and reflecting on future progress.
• Findings offer insights into the multifaceted challenges faced by mothers in SUD recovery.

Conclusions:

• Supporting mothers in SUD recovery necessitates understanding their unique perspectives.
• Nurses play a vital role in encouraging mothers to share their experiences.
• Findings can inform practice protocols to enhance maternal mental health support in SUD programs.