Abstract
M.A. (Psychology)
Parenting plays a fundamental role in shaping a child's future. As such, understanding
parenting processes is essential for the prevention of adverse outcomes for children and the
promotion of competent child and adult functioning. The motivational processes that mothers
employ within the context of parenting are not well understood. This study attempted to gain
insight into parenting by exploring how a mother's psychological needs may be dramatized
within the mother-child relationship. The research explores motivational forces relating to
parenting by describing mothers' experiences ofbeing a parent and interpreting the
descriptions within the Needs Theory Framework of Murray (1938). Three selected mothers
took part in a qualitative enquiry. A semi-structured, three-phase interview process was used,
which combined life-history interviewing and focussed in-depth interviewing.
Results ofthe thematic analysis indicated that the mother-child relationship is experienced as
a highly valued means of fulfilling the mother's need for relatedness, and that mothers
experience a strong need to nurture and protect their offspring. A variety of conflicting needs
may be experienced by mothers within their relationships with their children. The degree of
difficulty experienced by a mother in a specific aspect ofparenting may relate to the
complexity of interacting and conflicting needs. Mothers experience a strong desire to prevent
replication ofnegative past experiences with their children, with the underlying need being to
nurture the child and protect the child from distress. A particular unrnet need in the mother's
past may shape the development ofa consistent pattem ofinteraction dramatized within the
mother-child relationship. Subconscious emotional needs may unconsciously shape a
mother's spiritual convictions, which in tum shape parent-child interaction. Finally, a mother
may vicariously fulfil her need for recognition, affirmation and achievement through her
children.
Further research is needed to explore the various complex expressions of the mother's needs
within the mother-child relationship as well as related subconscious processes, in order to
gain greater insight into underlying motivation within the context of parenting.