Mothers’ experiences of coping with adolescent substance abuse: a phenomenological inquiry

Abstract

We argue that research and practice initiatives should consider using a multidimensional perspective of parental coping that recognises the heterogeneity of mothers' coping responses. Impact statement: The current paper offers new insights into the complexities of mothers' coping responses to adolescent substance abuse.

Adolescents and substance abuse: the effects of substance abuse on parents and siblings

“…The study by Asante and Lentoor (2017) also found emotional distress, self-blame and fear by their participants. These feelings were previous revealed by the study of Groenewald (2016) who also found signs of depression. The experiences of participant 2 concur with Bowen's theory relating to the emotional distance which is temporarily caused by the participant in order for her to manage the tension within her family (Rasheed et al, 2011).…”

‘It was riotous behaviour!’: Mothers’ experiences of adolescents’ conduct while abusing drugs

“…The mothers’ narratives were thus initially treated as unique cases and coded and analysed individually until ‘some degree of closure or gestalt’ was achieved (Smith , p. 41). This approach enabled me to acquire a detailed and idiosyncratic perspective of each of the mothers’ accounts and experiences, avoiding a generic comparison of the themes (Groenewald & Bhana ). As recommended by Smith and Osborn (), I familiarized myself with the transcripts (independently) and initial sets of emerging themes (codes) were developed.…”

“…; Groenewald & Bhana ; Author, under review ). The strain that parents experience also influences their abilities to cope effectively with the adolescents’ behaviours, generally with limited formal support available to them (Groenewald & Bhana ).…”

“…Studies show that parents, specifically, often experience heightened levels of stress and strain which produces anxiety, symptoms of depression, hopelessness, self-blame, shame, guilt, anger, and resentment (Butler & Bauld 2005;Jackson et al 2007;Usher et al 2007;Abrahams 2009;Orford et al 2013;Groenewald & Bhana 2015;Author, under review). The strain that parents experience also influences their abilities to cope effectively with the adolescents' behaviours, generally with limited formal support available to them (Groenewald & Bhana 2017).…”

Looking towards the horizon: changing landscapes and a shift to a more equitable future for children, young people and their families

“…The reader is invited to think about the multi-faceted and dynamic world of practice, and how different vantage points may be points of difference, but can also provide common ground and understandings from which to proceed. Groenewald and Bhana (2017) provide insight into the world of mothers struggling to cope with adolescent substance abuse. In this landscape, mother's coping mechanisms are stretched to breaking point, with their role as a mother questioned.…”