The experiences of mothers who raise children with fetal alcohol syndrome: a collective case study

[摘要] Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is an ongoing problem in the Western Cape.Marginalised and poverty-stricken communities use alcohol as a method ofentertainment because it is freely available and relatively inexpensive. Due to a cycleof ongoing poverty and lack of education, many women drink large quantities ofalcohol when they are pregnant or before they know they are pregnant. This causesthe unborn baby to be severely at risk for FAS. There has been much research donein academic and social environments on the presentation and symptoms of FAS andof behaviour. Less research has been done surrounding the mother's experience ofher FAS child, it is therefore my aim to research this gap in the research.This research study investigated the experience of mothers who raised children withFAS. Many mothers of children with prenatal exposure to alcohol feel conflict andguilt regarding their children and I attempted to find out what their generalexperience surrounding this was. Within this research topic I aimed to investigate themothers' attitudes, their behaviour towards and their general perceptions of theirdeveloping child with FAS. This was viewed from an eco-systemic framework inwhich the mother is an integral part of different systems impacting and workingtogether, that influence her maternal functioning. Finally, the aim of this researchstudy was to ascertain how best mothers of FAS children could be supported. Inthis same process, I hoped, the mothers could learn to feel empowered to help andsupport their child, and in the process attempt to shift ongoing cycles of negativebehaviour patterns to more positive outcomes.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University