Delving into the world of Mother-Daughter relationship: A Qualitative Analysis

The current qualitative study focuses on exploring the relationship shared between mothers and their adult daughters using in-depth interviews of 12 dyads (N=24) of mothers and their daughters. Following the interviews, the data was analyzed using the method of Thematic Network Analysis. The results generated the following organizing and global themes. The organizing themes found for the mother were as follows: Reliance of mother’s happiness on daughter, Daughter’s Birth: A turning point in the life of parents, Daughter: A Guiding Force for the mother, Birth of Daughter: Completion of Womanhood, Daughter: As a friend, Emotional Closeness Unperturbed by Physical Distance, Conflict Resolution: An Approachable Resolution, New Dimension to Relationship: Shared Role of Mother, Solitary Care Giving. The organizing themes for the daughter were as follows: Mother Performing Multiple Roles, Mother: As a friend, Emotional Closeness Unperturbed by Physical Distance, Conflict Resolution: An Approachable Resolution, New Dimension to Relationship: Shared Role of Mother, Mother a Protective Shield for the Daughter. Lastly, the Global themes found were as follows: Daughter as an Individual; Mother as a Role and Transition to a Friend: Defined /Undefined boundaries.