Parenting in the environmental crisis: An interpretive phenomenological analysis of the experiences of parents raising children amidst knowledge of pervasive environmental toxicity.

摘要

To date, there has been a significant gap in the psychological literature regarding the experiences of parents raising children amid pervasive and persistent environmental pollution and toxicity in the United States. This study was intended as an introductory exploration into the experiences of parents grappling with this problem. In depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight mothers raising children under age 18 with concerns about protecting them from chemical toxicity. The qualitative method of Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was employed. Nine themes that emerged from the interview transcripts were categorized into three broad domains: Learning About Environmental Toxicity, Experiencing the Knowledge, and Living With the Knowledge. These domains and themes were outlined and discussed in connection with the existing literature and in terms of their implications for clinical work and recommendations for future research.;The present study suggests that awareness of pervasive environmental toxicity affects parents significantly. These parents are faced with a problem that is beyond the scope of the individual to remedy, though individual actions are important for a variety of reasons. Because of the social silence surrounding this issue, parents with these concerns may feel stigmatized and socially alienated and are likely to experience discord in their personal relationships as a result of their knowledge and subsequent actions taken to protect their children. They may also grapple with disillusionment in U.S. culture and a loss of faith in corporations, government bodies, and other influential societal forces, leading to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Psychotherapists may provide critical support to parents facing these issues by validating their concerns; working through their emotional response, which may include a grieving process; and finally, encouraging them to take steps, such as joining a supportive group and other actions that counteract despair.