Bronwyn Harman

Effects of Parental Stress, Optimism, and Health-Promoting Behaviors on the Quality of Life of Primiparous and Multiparous Mothers

Background Parental stress, optimism, and health-promoting behaviors (HPBs) are important predictors of the quality of life (QoL) of mothers. However, it is unclear how strongly these predictors affect the QoL of mothers. It is also unclear if the impact of these predictors on QoL differs between primiparous and multiparous mothers. In this study, we defined primiparous as “bearing young for the first time” and multiparous as “having experienced one or more previous childbirths.” Objectives The first objective of this study was to examine the relative effect of parental stress, optimism, and HPBs on the QoL of mothers. The second objective was to investigate if the effect of these predictors differed between primiparous and multiparous mothers. Methods One hundred ninety-four Australian mothers (n = 87, 44.8% primiparous mothers) participated in an online survey that included the Parental Stress Scale, the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II, the Revised Life Orientation Test, and the Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire. Results All predictors (parental stress, optimism, and HPBs) significantly affected the QoL of mothers; higher levels of optimism, greater use of HPBs, and lower parental stress were associated with higher levels of QoL for all mothers. Parity did not affect the relationships. Discussion This study sheds light on the nature and unique effect of parental stress, optimism, and HPBs on the QoL of mothers.

A Qualitative Exploration of Mothers Who Reject Playgroup

ABSTRACT Becoming a mother is a major life experience eliciting a range of physical, psychological, and social changes, resulting in high levels of stress and an increased need for support. Research suggests that mothers’ participation in a community playgroup can facilitate social support, increase parenting confidence, and effectively reduce maternal stress. However, there is currently insufficient research on community playgroups in Australia, particularly in relation to why some mothers reject playgroup. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 mothers residing in Perth, Western Australia. Using an interpretative phenomenological approach, four main themes were identified: the presence of support; perception of playgroup; identity as a mother; and other sources of information. Understanding the reasons why mothers reject playgroup, and how they experience parenting and social support outside a playgroup setting, provides a vital perspective on the ways in which service providers can improve parent engagement in the program. Further research is required to assess gaps in parental education and awareness of playgroup to improve service delivery.

Predictors of unstructured play amongst preschool children in Australia

THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT unstructured play for preschool aged children is diminishing in Australia, however, the reasons for this decline have not been previously explored in depth. The current research examines the amount of time preschool children spend engaged in unstructured play and the predictors of unstructured play for these children. Data is drawn from the results of 564 Australian parent participants who completed an online survey, detailing the activities of their preschool aged children. Results found that children who participated in playgroup were more likely to participate in unstructured play, while children who participated in organised activities were less likely to participate in unstructured play. When the children in this study slept longer, read more and watched television less, they were more likely to participate in unstructured play, however, the number of hours spent watching television has no apparent effect on the number of hours a child engages in play. This research emphasises and reinforces the importance of balance in activities for optimal health and positive outcomes for Australian children.

Motherless mothers: Maternally bereaved women in their everyday roles as mothers

Abstract Motherless mothers are women who lose their mothers to death prior to having their children, and therefore raise their children without the maternal support and guidance afforded to many women whose mothers are still alive (Edelman, 2006). A qualitative research design was used to gain an in-depth understanding of the everyday experiences faced by motherless mothers. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 motherless mothers. Four major themes emerged including grief, support, absence of knowledge, and changes to self following loss. Results provide insight into the ongoing influence a mother’s death can have on a daughter’s life and draw distinction to specific issues faced by motherless mothers in their everyday mother roles. Results of this research also have implications for clinicians and others working with maternally bereaved women who are entering or experiencing the mother role.