%0 Journal Article
%T The Parenting Experiences of Childhood Abuse Survivors: Findings from a Meta-Synthesis
%A Seonghoon Kankanhalli
%A Dieu Yoong
%J International Journal of Social and Psychological Aspects of Healthcare
%@ 3108-4818
%D 2025
%V 5
%N 1
%R 10.51847/1t3UhDq8zU
%P 102-113
%X 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.
%U https://smerpub.com/article/the-parenting-experiences-of-childhood-abuse-survivors-findings-from-a-meta-synthesis-xhpr6c9lt95ji16