Motherhood and Psychological Distress after Childbirth: A Thematic-Dialogical Analysis of Pakistani-Muslim Women’s Experiences
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The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
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University of Bradford
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Department of Psychology. Faculty of Law, Management and Social Sciences
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2023
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Abstract
Background: Psychological distress after childbirth is high amongst Pakistani-Muslim women. In the UK, this is distress is often labelled as a mental health condition, an illness known as postnatal depression. According to Western psychiatry the experience of postnatal depression is universal for all women, regardless of ethnicity, culture, and socio-economic status. However, these factors are important and do shape women’s lived experiences, understanding of conditions and help-seeking behaviours. Without understanding these factors, vulnerable women run the risk of not receiving the most appropriate support. How Pakistani-Muslim women experience motherhood and psychological distress after childbirth is under-researched.
Aim: To explore experiences of motherhood and psychological distress after childbirth, in Pakistani-Muslim women.
Method: A qualitative study was conducted. Face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17 Pakistani-Muslim women. Data was analysed via thematic-dialogical analysis.
Findings: The findings of this study are broken down into three empirical chapters, to address the research questions. This includes 1. Experiences of motherhood during the postnatal period (social support, cultural postnatal practices, transition to motherhood); 2. Dramatization vs Authenticity of psychological distress (women’s understanding of their distress and family reactions); 3. Experience of psychological distress after childbirth.
Conclusion: A greater understanding of how Pakistani-Muslim women experience motherhood and psychological distress after childbirth has been developed. Factors have been identified which may increase the risk of psychological distress and factors which may act as barriers to help-seeking. Experiences have shown to be layered and nuanced, with various influential factors beyond culture and ethnicity being identified (generational differences, rural identity).
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Thesis
Qualification name
PhD