This research examined a unique approach to anxiety disorder, one of the most prevalent and growing mental health concerns internationally. It uncovered the mostly invisible and challenging experiences of mothers caring for a child with an anxiety disorder and the value of their reciprocal relationships with their children for both their health and wellbeing. In addition, it explored social identity in making meaningful connection using a generative action-oriented social approach to address anxiety in the community.
An appreciative inquiry, using social constructionist theory, and underpinned by elements of kaupapa Māori values, was utilised to explore the research questions. The data was collected via paired interviews, focus groups and small questionnaires with three to four mothers, after which thematic analysis was undertaken to identify important themes.

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Shaw, K. L., and Bridgman, G. (2022). Creating Appreciation and Community Support for Mothers Caring for a Child with an Anxiety Disorder. Auckland: ePress, Unitec, Te Pūkenga.

https://doi.org/10.34074/mono.097

Unitec ePress periodically publishes monographs offering readers a treatise on a single subject authored by members of staff and their research associates. All monographs are blind reviewed. For more monographs in this series please visit: www.unitec.ac.nz/epress/index.php/category/publications/monographs/


Authors: Kristi Shaw and Geoff Bridgman

Published: 8/2/2023

ISSN: 2422-8796