Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Brandon Cosley

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore conceptualization of maternal identity among mothers with high identity centrality in suburban Virginia. The role of motherhood is culturally recognized as central to female identity, which historically has been described, defined, and maintained through various forms of media. This study involved using the social identity and self-categorization theories as explanatory frameworks to address development and maintenance of maternal identity. A qualitative approach was used to explore identity centrality and conceptualization of maternal identity with a purposefully sampled group of 10 mothers. Data were collected via demographic surveys followed by one-on-one semi-structured virtual interviews. Findings revealed sources that informed participants’ maternal identity, including family, friends, spiritual sources, and the media. Participants identified good mothers in the media portrayed as predominantly White and middle class, attributing maternal success to the success of the child, while participants admitted to struggling with feelings of guilt and shame for not consistently meeting social pressures to adhere to the good mother model. Participants distinguished contemporary mothers by age, specifying behavioral differences as younger generations of mothers are perceived to be self-focused, while older generations of mothers are more child focused. By identifying subjective conceptualization of maternal identity, this research can inform and update social and cultural expectations of mothers that are presented in the media and marketing, thereby influencing positive social change.

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