The meaning of guilt and shame: a qualitative study of mothers who suffer from eating difficulties.
The aim of this study was to illuminate and interpret guilt and shame expressed by mothers with eating difficulties (ED). The research question was: What is the meaning of guilt and shame experienced by mothers with ED? Experiences of guilt and shame in mothers with ED may be strong, yet concealed, and should be addressed when promoting women's mental health. The study design was explorative, and in-depth interviews were conducted with eight mothers suffering from ED. The data were analysed by means of qualitative content analysis and interpreted according to a hermeneutic approach. The main theme 'Struggling in silence with guilt and shame as a mother living with ED and trying to keep it secret' was interpreted on two levels: emotional, 'Feeling worried about failure and wanting to be successful', and cognitive, 'Having condemning thoughts about one's own sense of responsibility'. In addition, each theme contained two subthemes. Feelings and awareness of guilt and shame are strong; they vary between individuals and are intensified in mothers who suffer from ED. It is important for mental health nurses to help mothers with ED articulate such feelings in order to promote health.
Rørtveit
Kristine
K
Stavanger District Psychiatric Centre, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway. kroe@sus.nof
Aström
Sture
S
Severinsson
Elisabeth
E
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001828:Body Image; D008192:Deception; D005239:Fear / Q000523:psychology; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012649:Self Concept; D012752:Shame; D012941:Social Responsibility; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires