How Iranian Mothers Raise Their Adolescent Children: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract Background Most parents consider adolescence to be the most difficult stage of parenting. The parental practice is a determining factor in adolescents’ academic achievement, self-esteem, independence attainment, social adjustment, and risky behaviors reduction. The main role of parenting in many societies is played by mothers. The present study aimed at explaining the Iranian mothers’ practice in parenting an adolescent child. Methods This qualitative conventional content analysis was conducted in 2019 in Kashan, in the central part of Iran. Totally, 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with mothers of adolescent children were performed using a purposive sampling method. Interviews continued until data saturation was reached. Data collection and analysis were performed simultaneously using MAXQDA10 software. Results Regarding the study purpose, six main categories and two themes were identified. The theme of ‘laying the groundwork for upbringing’ was detected by two main categories: ‘meeting the needs’ and ‘effective interaction with the adolescent’ and the theme of ‘individual-social capacity building’ was explained by four main categories: ‘helping to gain independence’, ‘modeling individual-social behavior’, ‘socializing the adolescent’, and ‘preparing to accept future roles’. Conclusions A deeper understanding of maternal practice can help health professionals, especially family nurses, develop parenting programs to promote maternal literacy and adolescent health.