Raising families: Urban women's experiences of requiring support
Debra Jackson
Professor, Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, University of Technology, Sydney (UTS), Broadway NSW
Judy Mannix
Postgraduate Studies, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Western Sydney, Sydney NSW
Pat Faga
Associate Lecturer, School of Nursing, Family and Community Health, University of Western Sydney, Sydney NSW
Donna Gillies
Research Officer, Mental Health Nursing Research Unit, Sydney West Area Health Service; University of Western Sydney, Parramatta NSW
PP: 097 - 107
Abstract
Rapid social changes and the pressures of contemporary living have put families under increasing stress. Nurses have the potential to offer support for families experiencing stress. Therefore, it behoves nurses to develop a greater understanding of the stressors affecting families in contemporary Australia.
This paper reports an exploratory descriptive study of urban women's experiences of dealing with difficult and demanding situations in their lives as mothers and family carers in contemporary Australian society, and explores women's experiences of seeking support for family issues. Participants' insights about the nature and availability of support for themselves and their families when in these stressful situations are revealed.
Participants sought support from various personal networks, community and self help groups, and professional helpers. However, adequate support was not always available. Nurses have the potential to further develop their role in relation to providing support to women raising families.
Keywords
family health; family support; mothering; women's health; women's experiences
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