Adaptability as a journey: A constructivist grounded theory study exploring the transition to motherhood in the context of Bipolar Disorder

Aigli Raouna*, Andreea Miruna Mihut, Angus MacBeth

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Despite growing evidence that women with bipolar disorder (BD) diagnoses are at a particularly increased risk for perinatal mental and physical health complications, our understanding of their experiences and support needs from pre-conception to early postnatal years is still in its early stages. To address this gap, a qualitative study was carried out employing a constructivist grounded theory approach to identify the underlying processes shaping women’s journeys to motherhood in the context of BD. In-depth, semi-structured online interviews were conducted with 10 mothers worldwide with a pre-existing diagnosis of BD and a first child under 5 years of age. Mothers’ experiences revolved around a constant interplay between vulnerability and adaptability, leading to the development of the substantive theory of adaptability as a journey. This study proposes that becoming adaptable constitutes a process, with the concept of “projecting adaptability” being influential in this journey. Characterized by the interconnected elements of self-awareness of vulnerability, perceived support from external sources, and ownership of experiences, the ability to envision an adaptable version of oneself along with understanding the path to achieving it played a significant role in women’s experiences. Overall, there is a need for a more dynamic understanding of these experiences, providing appropriate support rather than viewing women as simply vulnerable or adaptable. Further research is necessary to explore the transferability of this theoretical framework, especially among mothers from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalQualitative Health Research
Early online date5 Dec 2024
DOIs
Publication statusE-pub ahead of print - 5 Dec 2024

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • constructivist grounded theory
  • motherhood
  • perinatal bipolar disorder
  • pre-conception
  • pregnancy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Adaptability as a journey: A constructivist grounded theory study exploring the transition to motherhood in the context of Bipolar Disorder'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this