Seeing red: A grounded theory study of women's anger after childbirth
Date
2022
Authors
Ou, Christine H. K.
Hall, Wendy A.
Rodney, Paddy
Stremler, Robyn
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Qualitative Health Research
Abstract
Persistent intense anger is indicative of postpartum distress, yet maternal anger has been little explored after childbirth.
Using grounded theory, we explained how and why mothers develop intense anger after childbirth and the actions they
take to manage their anger. Twenty mothers of healthy singleton infants described their experiences of anger during the
first two postpartum years. Mothers indicated they became angry when they had violated expectations, compromised
needs, and felt on edge (e.g., exhausted, stressed, and resentful), particularly around infants’ sleep. Mothers described
suppressing and/or expressing anger with outcomes such as conflict and recruiting support. Receiving support from
partners, family, and others helped mothers manage their anger, with more positive outcomes. Women should be
screened for intense anger, maternal-infant sleep problems, and adequacy of social supports after childbirth. Maternal
anger can be reduced by changing expectations and helping mothers meet their needs through social and structural
supports.
Description
Keywords
sleep, mothers, postpartum care, mental health and illness, self-care
Citation
Ou, C. H. K., Hall, W. A., Rodney, P., & Stremler, R. (2022). “Seeing red: A grounded theory study of women’s anger after childbirth.” Qualitative Health Research, 32(12), 1780-1794. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497323221120173