Date
9-17-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)
Chair
Margaret Gopaul
Keywords
maternal trauma, child development, attachment, emotional regulation, intergenerational trauma, phenomenology, thematic analysis, unresolved maternal trauma, maternal parenting, mother-child relationship, attachment theory, intentional parenting, lived experiences, mothers' perception, trauma
Disciplines
Psychology
Recommended Citation
Panthier, Kelsey D., "Unresolved Maternal Trauma and Child Development: A Phenomenological Study of Mothers’ Perceptions of Intergenerational Impacts" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8940.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8940
Abstract
Unresolved maternal trauma is an understudied phenomenon that may shape mothers’ parenting experiences and perceptions of their children’s attachment, emotional regulation, and learning. Although previous research has examined associations between maternal trauma and child development, less is known about how mothers understand and interpret these experiences within their parenting roles. This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of mothers with unresolved trauma and their perceptions of its influence on parenting and child development during early to middle childhood (ages 3–10). Eligible participants completed an anonymous online Qualtrics survey with open-ended questions addressing trauma, parenting experiences, coping strategies, and perceived child outcomes. Written narratives were analyzed inductively using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns of meaning across participants’ experiences. Findings revealed themes related to emotional transmission, maternal emotional distress, bonding and attachment challenges, and perceived difficulties in children’s emotional regulation and learning. Mothers also described coping strategies used to manage trauma-related experiences while parenting. By centering mothers’ lived experiences and interpretations, this study provides a deeper understanding of perceived intergenerational patterns of trauma and their relationship to parenting and child development. Findings contribute to developmental psychology by identifying potential areas for trauma-informed intervention and family support. The study also highlights faith-based coping strategies as potential sources of healing and resilience, consistent with the restorative perspective reflected in Psalm 147:3.
