A qualitative study of an attachment-based parenting group for mothers with drug addictions: On being and having a mother

Abstract

Mothers in a public residential treatment program for drug addiction participated in a parenting group to increase maternal sensitivity. Seven mothers participated in the parenting group which met once a week for six weeks. The women were encouraged to reflect on how their mothers' childrearing practices impacted on their feeling loved and secure, and encouraged them to use their self-empathy to guide them in caring for their own children. During post-group semi-structured individual interviews, all of the mothers reported becoming aware that they had been repeating their mothers' parenting practices. The mothers also reported that they were now considering their children's feelings. The mothers reported more positive feelings about being a mother and about their children. The positive responses of this small group of mothers suggest that parenting groups based on attachment theory may provide a supportive function for mothers with addictions and may increase their maternal sensitivity.