"I Thought that We Could Nurture the Nature out of Our Son": Making Meaning of Parenting in the Narratives of Parents of Children in Residential Treatment

Author

Jared V. Worwood, Illinois State UniversityFollow

Date of Award

3-30-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

School of Communication

First Advisor

Lindsey J Thomas

Abstract

This study implements relational dialectics theory to explore the meaning of parenting from the perspective of parents who had enrolled a child in a residential treatment program. Contrapuntal analysis of six interviews revealed two discourses competing to make meaning of parenting. The Discourse of Demanding Parenting Ideals (DDPI) consisted of two themes: relentless sacrifice and complete responsibility, whereas themes of boundary-setting and acceptance compose the Discourse of Realistic Best Effort (DRBE). Discursive interplay between these discourses occurred in the forms of diachronic separation, synchronic interplay, and discursive transformation to make meaning of parenting and hold theoretical and practical implications.

Comments

Imported from Worwood_ilstu_0092N_11925.pdf

Recommended Citation

Worwood, Jared V., ""I Thought that We Could Nurture the Nature out of Our Son": Making Meaning of Parenting in the Narratives of Parents of Children in Residential Treatment" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 1420.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1420

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2021.20210719070603185013.17

Page Count

78