https://openjournals.ljmu.ac.uk/ejqrp/issue/feed 2025-05-28T10:45:15+00:00 Professor Nollaig Frost nollaig.frost@ucc.ie Open Journal Systems <p>The mission of the <em class="journal_title">European Journal for Qualitative Research in Psychotherapy</em> is to provide an accessible forum for research that advances the theory and practice of psychotherapy in Europe and throughout the rest of the world. We welcome contributions from diverse methodological and theoretical standpoints, as well as relevant literature reviews, critical explorations of methodology, and philosophical research. Submissions of qualitative empirical research are particularly encouraged along with examples of practitioner-orientated work.</p> <p>ISSN: 1756-7599</p> https://openjournals.ljmu.ac.uk/ejqrp/article/view/3110 2025-05-07T17:34:29+00:00 Helen Davies hello@room-psychotherapy.com

<p>NHS England (2024) estimates that perinatal mental illness affects up to 27% of all new mums, yet little explains what is typically experienced mentally when an individual becomes a mother. The void in research infers that matrescence is of little import to the maternal experience and may subsequently contribute to maternal distress as a mother’s expectations do not meet their lived reality. This article aims to better understand the lived experience of matrescence so consideration may be given to its impact on mothers. A hermeneutic phenomenological approach was selected to support an in-depth exploration of matrescence phenomena. Semi-structured qualitative interviews centred around a genogram and creation of clay self-symbols, were conducted with six mothers 8-10 months after their first child’s arrival. Participants were considered low-risk, and included birth mothers and one adoptive mother, from single and dual parent families, in England. The study resulted in four themes: (1) A change of state and a state of change; expresses multi-dimensional and ongoing adjustment (2) Mother matters; explores a paradox of existential mattering (3) M/other merger; reflects relational shifts (4) Prepare to be unprepared; considers the impact of unpredictability, and real and ideal notions. The study's findings contribute toward an emerging conceptualisation of matrescence. Greater understanding may help enable perinatal health-care providers to develop preventative policies and interventions which better support mothers.</p>

2025-05-28T00:00:00+00:00 Copyright (c) 2025 Helen Davies (Author)