Learning Objective #1: Describe the experience of motherhood in Sweden

Learning Objective #2: Identify stressful events for Swedish mothers and ways in which they adapted

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Purpose: The purpose of this presentation is to explore the experience of motherhood and resiliency of mothers in Sweden. Method: Fourteen mothers completed two quantitative instruments, the Family Apgar, and Family Adaptation Inventory. Audio-tapes of the semi-structured interviews were transcribed and analyzed. Using the model of family resiliency as a framework, two Americans and one Swede evaluated transcripts defining themes and counting within the categories of Risk/Vulnerability and Protective Factors. The Swedish rater detailed individual statements, and completed synthesis and integration of the thematic lists based on Swedish culture and linguistics. The primary investigator verified existing themes and confirmed appropriate identification and labeling of themes among raters. Findings: Quantitative findings revealed statistically significant findings in areas of having preschool children in the home, number of hours mother's worked outside the home, and families in which a major illness had occurred. Qualitative findings revealed that protective factors far outweighed vulnerability and risk factors. Mothers' satisfaction with life manifested itself in love of home, contentment with employment, fulfillment from an active and healthy life, and support from a society that provides a wide range of social benefits for the family. Vulnerability occurred primarily when mothers were tired, lacked personal time, or someone in the family was experiencing a serious illness. Conclusion & Implications: The results of this study enhance the scholarly scientific knowledge about the experience of Swedish motherhood, and increase understanding of family resiliency over time. Although both Swedish and American mothers adapted similarly to vulnerability from the stressors of childbirth and new parenting in 1993, the patterns of family life and subsequent resiliency through the years may be different. An increased understanding of the experience of motherhood and resiliency over time may provide nursing with the knowledge to intervene and improve family outcomes.