Mother's experience of their child-related dreams : an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Abstract

This study explored mother’s experiences of their child-related dreams. The aim of the study was to focus on the mother’s personal experience and their maternal concerns through dreams. A total of six participants were interviewed, all of them mothers of children aged two to five. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used as the methodology, as this qualitative approach gives importance to the particular, to the personal lived experience and meaning of dreams and related events. Dreaming is said to open a window into the unconscious, giving us an insight into the human mind. For this reason, the mothers’ dreams were used as a medium, that allowed the participants to explore their experiences in a more profound and meaningful way. This study’s results highlighted maternal concerns and fears, especially the fear of losing their children, the personal meaning that the mothers give to their dreams, and dreams’ relationship with waking life. Moreover, by thinking back on their dreams, the mothers were able to explore and discuss feelings associated with motherhood and delve into their experiences, detailing both positive and negative feelings. Changes in their behaviour and coping styles were also discussed as prominent themes. All in all, this qualitative study gives a voice to mothers, an opportunity for them to explore their own feelings through their dreams, and a good basis for research in the fields of dreaming and motherhood.