This master's thesis explores the personal growth of women trough their experience of motherhood. The theoretical part introduces such topics as the transition into motherhood, from the decision to have a child onwards, and changes in women’s relationships, then offers an overview of the system of attachment and the effect of trauma on a person’s life.
The empirical part presents the methodology and analysis of the research on women's personal growth process trough motherhood with the emphasis on changes in a woman that occur from the decision to have a child, trough pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum period and their child’s toddlerhood. Special attention is paid to changes in the mother's close and outer relationships circles. The research and analysis was conducted by applying the grounded theory method, using data from semi-structured interviews with women who became first-time mothers in the last four years. The results show changes in mothers’ personal traits and their relationships, which might lead to personal growth. The findings also show factors of growth encouragement and obstructions, as well as some general traits of women who personally grow through motherhood. Our research shows that the experience of motherhood represents an opportunity for personal growth for a woman, which can have a positive effect on her relationships.
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