Graduate theses completed in the Master of Arts in Women and Gender Studies (offered jointly by Mount Saint Vincent University and Saint Mary’s University).
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Browsing Women and Gender Studies -- Graduate Theses by Author "Barber, Tanya"
(Mount Saint Vincent University, 2011-03-28) Barber, Tanya; Gordon, Jane
Western culture continues to present motherhood as a positive, happy, and thankful time
for women and their families; ignoring the feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety and shock
women may experience in their transition into motherhood, and upon the realisation that
the realities of mothering do not always meet our societal and cultural ideals. Based on my
autoethnographic research, my thesis will present the therapeutic and empowering potential
of using journalling as an added coping mechanism to the diverse stresses and traumas
women may experience in the highly gendered role of mothering. Previous studies on
journalling have demonstrated that disclosure through personal writing may produce longterm
improvements in mood and an overall sense of well-being, as well as allow individuals
to create a coherent explanation of their situation, restore self-efficacy, and find meaning to
their particular situation. While these studies have examined a broad range of stressful
events such as terminal illness, divorce, or job loss, little research has been conducted on
applying methods of journalling or expressive writing to the often difficult, ambiguous and
stressful transitions of motherhood. My research will therefore illustrate that journalling has
the potential to provide women with a space to voice and process their experiences,
opinions and feelings of mothering, as well as challenge societal and cultural ideals regarding
the institution of motherhood.