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A qualitative analysis of negative feelings among incarcerated filicide mothers in Rwanda

Authors :
Jean d’Amour Muziki
Thaoussi Uwera
Japhet Niyonsenga
Augustin Nshimiyimana
Siméon Gitimbwa Sebatukura
Jean Mutabaruka
Source :
BMC Psychiatry, Vol 22, Iss 1, Pp 1-11 (2022)
Publication Year :
2022
Publisher :
BMC, 2022.

Abstract

Abstract Background Most of the research on filicide mothers suggests that they experience negative feelings before they kill their child. However, little is known about whether these negative feelings can be expressed after one-year post-offense among incarcerated filicide mothers with no history of psychiatric problems. In this study, we aimed to conduct a qualitative analysis to (a) understand negative feelings evolving from negative emotions such as anger, guilt, shame, depression, and anxiety among filicide mothers incarcerated in Nyarugenge Prison in Rwanda, (b) identify the impact of experienced negative feelings on their personal wellbeing, and (c) explore their coping strategies. Methods This study adopted a phenomenology research design and face-to-face in-depth interviews to explore the problem among twenty filicide mothers selected from Nyarugenge prison. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, organized, and analysed by using ATLAS.ti 8 Windows. Results Anxious and depressed participants experienced both physical and emotional negative feelings. Social withdrawal and cognitive problems were expressed by anxious participants, while avoidance behaviours were particularly experienced by depressed participants. Intolerance created anger, while self-blame, regret, and acute stress created guilt. In addition, avoidance behaviours and poor self-judgment emerged from shame. Participants felt disconnected from their community and worried about a variety of issues because of their negative feelings. To cope with negative feelings, participants reported that they used abnormal defense, surrender and support from community resources. Discussion Our findings highlight the overall negative feelings of incarcerated filicide mothers, which can guide mental health professionals and different stakeholders to respond with appropriate interventions.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1471244X
Volume :
22
Issue :
1
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
BMC Psychiatry
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2da3b85fe0c84a9e8eaed5607cc46381
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04081-0