Affiliations: Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of
New England, Portland, ME, USA | Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, Minneapolis, MN, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Elizabeth B. Francis-Connolly, Dean,
Westbrook College of Health Professions, University of New England, Portland,
ME 04103, USA. Tel.: +1 207 221 4523; E-mail: efrancisconnolly@une.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mothering is a major occupational role for many
women however the research to date tends to focus on the transition to
parenthood and mothering young children. Missing from the literature is an
exploration of mothering beyond the early years of a child's life. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative research study uses grounded theory
methods to explore the experience of mothering typically developing emerging
adult children. METHODS: In-depth semi structured interviews and a
focus group were conducted with 14 women between the ages of 47–63 years old
with at least one child who was between the ages of 18–29 years old (an
emerging adult). All of the participants were living in the Midwestern United
States. The goal of this study is to explore how mothering experience changes
and evolves over time. RESULTS: Findings presented here focus on the
work of mothering emerging adult children and the themes include providing a
listening ear, emotional and financial support, and worrying. CONCLUSIONS: The findings illuminate a beginning understanding of the
work involved with mothering children at this stage and add to Ruddick's
theories on maternal practice.
Keywords: Parenting, occupation, qualitative research, grounded theory, social construction
