Journal article
A hopeful future: a qualitative investigation of positive psychological functioning in young mothers
Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Vol.44(2), pp.574-594
2026
Abstract
Aims/Background
Young mothers have reported facing specific challenges such as stigmatisation and social isolation, which may be exaggerated by the increasing maternal age in industrialised countries. Despite these challenges, some young mothers have been shown to exhibit resilience and confidence during the transition to parenthood. Using strength-based psychological concepts, this study aimed to identify the facilitators of and barriers to the development of positive psychological states in young Australian mothers.
Design/Methods
Using semi-structured interview questions, 11 women who had given birth between 15 and 22 were asked to share their experiences of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Their responses were analysed using the Framework method; initially coding the data to a priori themes such as resilience and social support, and then to higher order themes.
Results
Five higher order themes were developed from participant responses: 1. Everything is about to change, 2. Disrespected and disempowered, 3. Resilience, 4. It takes a village, and 5. A hopeful future. Across these themes, participants described the mixed emotional experiences of pregnancy and birth, experiences of stigma from various sources, efforts to maintain mental wellbeing, reliance on support networks, and aspirations for themselves and their children.
Conclusion
Findings from the current study highlight several key strategies for managing the challenges of early motherhood and promoting positive psychological states. Recommendations include fostering self-efficacy, supporting identity development, and establishing strong support networks across social and healthcare contexts. Recognizing and celebrating the strengths of young mothers is essential for effectively supporting them through the complex experience of motherhood.
Details
- Title
- A hopeful future: a qualitative investigation of positive psychological functioning in young mothers
- Authors
- Angela Hinz (Corresponding Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyBreanna Solomon (Author) - A Brave Life (Australia)Melissa Redsell (Author) - A Brave Life (Australia)Kathryn Wenham (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Public HealthLynette O'Connor (Author)Kate Mulgrew (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - Psychology
- Publication details
- Journal of Reproductive and Infant Psychology, Vol.44(2), pp.574-594
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1080/02646838.2024.2401831
- ISSN
- 1469-672X
- Copyright note
- © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way. The terms on which this article has been published allow the posting of the Accepted Manuscript in a repository by the author(s) or with their consent.
- Grants
- Applying a strengths-based approach to help young mums to life a brave life., 0980027796, University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia, Sunshine Coast) - UniSC
- Organisation Unit
- Graduate Research School; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health - Public Health
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991066898102621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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- Web Of Science research areas
- Psychology, Multidisciplinary