The lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa

Abstract

Complex trauma is experiencing a traumatic event, in the form of abuse, which is chronic, interpersonal, and begins in childhood. Limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of complex trauma on parenting. The current study, therefore, aimed to explore the lived experiences of biological mothers parenting with a history of complex trauma in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality, South Africa. Using purposive sampling, the study included 10 biological mothers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The data tell the story of how mothers with a history of complex trauma prioritise the well-being of their children while neglecting their own needs. In addition, their experiences of complex trauma result in protecting their children from potential traumas, leading to overprotective parenting. The findings highlight the role of complex trauma on parenting, particularly among biological mothers in South Africa, and provide recommendations for society, practice, and research.