Explaning the Process of Fulfilling the Mothering Role in Breast Cancer Patients: A Grounded Theory Study

Women with breast cancer who have children may change the way they play their mothering role due to the enormous burden of this disease. Therefore, this study was aimed to explain the process of fulfilling the mothering role in breast cancer patients.

This qualitative study was conducted with a grounded theory approach. Participants included women with breast cancer who had children less than 16 years of age and participated in the study using purposive theoretical sampling. A total number of 23 mothers, 4 children, 2 spouses, and 2 healthcare providers were interviewed. Data collection method included in-depth and face-to-face unstructured interviews until achieving data saturation. Interviews were conducted between May 2018 and January 2019. The study settings were the Oncology Center of Shahid Ghazi Tabatabai at Tabriz University of Medical Sciences and Reyhaneh Charity in Ardabil. Data were analyzed using the Corbin and Strauss (2008) approach.

In the contextual data analysis, four main categories “physical limiters of the role”, “psychological burden of the disease”, “perceived children’s consequences of the mother”, and "supports: being with and for mother” were identified. Three main strategies including “self-preparation”, “role reorganization” and “personal and family reorganization” were used to achieve the “redefined mothering role stability” outcome. Accordingly, the core variable of the study was “supervisory participatory model" in playing the mothering role. Using the share/monitoring mechanism, they were trying to regain their mothering role and were able to continue it as a new normal mother by formulating a participatory regulatory model.

Mothers increased the ability to respond their mothering role self-expectations, applying the participatory regulatory model, with the support of role alternatives and gradual liberation from dependence on others. Therefore, identifying this model and the applied strategies can help health care professionals support, advise and educate mothers and families to help them fulfill their mothering role.