Beyond the grapevine : potential counselling issues unfolding from the reality of Maltese single mothers

Abstract

As in other countries, Malta too has, since the early 1990’s, seen an explosion in the number of unmarried mothers, many of whom experience several challenges. This dissertation explored these challenges with the aim to identify what counselling can offer to the single mother who might be struggling in her experience of the reality of mothering. This research aim was met through an extensive study of relevant international literature, complemented by practical research consisting of semi-structured in-depth interviews, based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, of seven single mothers over 18 years of age. The research identified a wide range of issues with which single mothers could be faced. These ranged from relationship issues to emotional issues, at times overwhelming, of aloneness, shame and guilt. Other issues, centering round attachment, age factors and financial concerns, also featured prominently in this research. This study also highlighted various coping mechanisms adopted by the participants to adapt to present circumstances and move on to embrace the uncertainty of the future. The participants in this research were at different points in their journey, yet all of them had unresolved emotional issues which could be explored in counselling, to help them enter into a transformative process leading them to embrace their life in a manner conducive to a greater growth and a fuller appreciation of their personal beliefs and values. This research argues that there is ample scope for more in-depth analysis of many of the findings highlighted therein.