The lived experience of children of incarcerated mothers

Abstract

This study examines the experience of adult children whose mothers have been incarcerated for drug dealing whilst participants were still minors. The retrospective nature of this qualitative study employs an interpretative phenomenological approach. Participants' relationship with their mothers before and during incarceration as well as following their release, changes in placement, bullying, shame, stigma, aggressive behaviour, instability and pain were some of the themes that emerged as the participants spoke about their experiences. One time in-depth interviews were conducted with five participants who were contacted through drug rehabilitation centers and through prison. Analysis of emergent themes revealed that participants struggled to derive meaning out of their experiences and still feel challenged by these memories and adversities now that they are adults. Nevertheless, participants embarked upon a painstaking process to derive meaning out of their experiences, showing remarkable resilience. Findings were interpreted using attachment, resilience as well as social-constructionist perspectives. Amongst the salient findings, one finds that participants' relationship with their mother changes considerably over the years as a result of their difficult experiences. Recommendations for future research as well as suggestions for services and policy making are provided.