Thematic Analysis of Mothers’ Experiences in Maintaining Psychological Calmness During Challenging Parenting

Abstract

This study aimed to explore and analyze the psychological strategies employed by mothers to maintain psychological calmness during challenging parenting experiences. This qualitative study utilized thematic analysis. Fifteen mothers from Tehran who had experience with challenging parenting situations (e.g., children with behavioral, emotional, or cognitive difficulties) participated in the study. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via semi-structured individual interviews and analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method with the assistance of NVivo software. Theoretical saturation guided the sampling process. Thematic analysis revealed three main categories of strategies used by mothers to maintain calmness: (1) Internal strategies (acceptance, mindfulness, positive self-talk, meaning-making, emotional regulation); (2) Social support and interaction (emotional support, spousal empathy, peer parenting groups, professional counseling); and (3) Lifestyle restructuring (self-care, time management, home environment regulation, setting behavioral boundaries with children). The findings highlight that psychological calmness in the face of parenting challenges is a multidimensional and dynamic process requiring emotional, social, and structural support. These insights offer a basis for developing psychological interventions tailored to the real-life experiences of mothers.