“Not the Romantic, All Happy, Coochy Coo Experience”: A Qualitative Analysis of Interactions on an Irish Parenting Web Site

摘要: Support groups in online communities provide an anonymous place to exchange information and advice. Previous research has suggested that these offer a safe, nonjudgmental forum for new parents share experiences interact anonymously. This study investigated how participants parenting experience support via the Internet what types of they receive. All posts made over 2-week period on parenting-related discussion boards Irish Web site were analyzed using content thematic analyses. Exploratory, semistructured interviews also conducted with 2 discuss their site. Themes uncovered from data gathered included attempts by posters dispel myths surrounding motherhood recognition superiority mother as caregiver. The results revealed was seen supportive space, which mothers could develop enhanced frame reference better understand role parenting. viable solution decreasing social networks created modern society is discussed, along implications findings future practice research. Key Words: parenthood, parenting, networks. For most parents, parenthood positive one; however, following arrival family member often marked increased conflict negativity within relationships. quality critical factor long- short-term child well-being (Belsky, 1984; Bowlby, 1969). According Belsky's Model Determinants Parenting, psychological stress related interferes potentially, infant's health. Parenting affects mother's ability assess infant cues appropriately care comfort (Pridham, Egan, Chang, & Hansen, 1986; Tessier, Piche, Tarabulsy, Muckle, 1992). Also, higher parental during infancy associated less father-child interactions when 1 year old (Darke Goldberg, 1994). Mothers who report more are likely view infants difficult (Mulsow, Caldera, Pursley, Reifman, Huston, 2002). Central addressing parents' perceptions having access resources them meeting demands such knowledge about, competence at, day-to-day well long-term tasks (Deater-Deckard Scarr, 1996). hypothesized be "stressful" have knowledge, perceived competence, fewer emotional instrumental supports, help partners, members, friends (Mash Johnston, 1990). Therefore, it important consider forms find effective. availability accessibility crucial ingrethents adaptation since buffers individual negative effects stressors (Lazarus Folkman, 1984). Modern society, led changes due geographic mobility, changing economic trends, divorce (Mc Murray, 1999). creates opportunities fathers learn about through modeling family-based supports (Guyer, Hughart, Strobino, Jones, Scharfstein, 2000). Vimpani (2001) highlighted detrimental isolation neighbors, this finding suggests methods may need developed. A group setting can supply highly environment feelings explore alternative ways coping situations (Nathanson, West, Meli vaine, Sells, 1979). …