Childhood abuse has been linked to a wide range of adverse health outcomes and may also influence the transition into parenthood. This study aimed to explore how individuals with a history of childhood abuse experience becoming parents. We conducted a meta-ethnographic synthesis of 13 qualitative studies. The analysis identified three overarching themes: (1) Personal experiences of abuse intensified the motivation to be a nurturing parent; (2) Abuse histories created challenges in navigating the parenting role; and (3) Parenthood offered a pathway toward healing and recovery. Findings suggest that survivors often demonstrated a strong commitment to giving their children a better upbringing than their own. Nonetheless, many parents reported difficulties related to self-efficacy, attachment, and emotional regulation that surfaced in their parenting experiences. Despite these challenges, parenthood was also described as a source of growth and healing. The implications of these findings are further discussed.
