Facilitating critical reflection in mothers of chronically ill children

Abstract

• The hybrid model, developed by Schwartz-Barcott & Kim guided the conduct of a study of empowerment in mothers of chronically ill children. • Integral to the model of empowerment that emerged from the study was an ongoing process of critical reflection. • Through this process, mothers became aware of their strengths, abilities and resources. • This paper is an in-depth analysis of the process of critical reflection, which corroborates recent theory on women's development. • The process of critical reflection is illuminated by women's ways of knowing, as exemplified in the story of one mother, and by elements of maternal thinking. • Implications for nursing practice in working with mothers of chronically ill children are highlighted. © 1999 Blackwell Science Ltd.