Mothers’ narratives about having a child with cancer: A view through the attachment lens

Abstract

This study explored mothers’ narratives about having a child with cancer through the novel addition of an attachment lens. Six mothers were interviewed about their experiences. Their pattern of attachment was assessed through a separate interview using the Dynamic-Maturational Model of adult attachment. The results showed marked differences in themes and performative aspects between the narratives of mothers classified as Type B pattern of attachment, balanced integration of affect and cognition, and those classified as Type A, focus on cognition and dismissal of affect. For mothers classified as Type B, narrative themes of ‘protecting my child’ and ‘questioning and evaluating the experience’ were identified. Mothers classified as Type A discussed narrative themes of ‘being strong and positive’ and ‘playing down feelings’. The presence of unresolved childhood loss or trauma appeared to inhibit ability to construct a coherent and temporally ordered narrative. It was also possible to observe attachment-based strategies operating within these narratives. Clinical implications of the work are discussed.