A retrospective study of the lived experience of children whose mothers engaged in prostitution

Abstract

This qualitative retrospective study employed an interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to examine the experiences of children, whose mothers were involved in prostitution whilst participants were still minors. One-time in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants, who were contacted through entities. Participants' endurance of childhood traumatic experiences, exposure to mothers' prostitution, abandonment, bullying, pain, shame and stigma are some of the themes that emerged as the participants recounted their experiences. Findings were analysed and interpreted using attachment and resilience theoretical frameworks as well as a social-constructionist conceptual framework. Findings indicate the lack of shelter and protection participants endured throughout their childhood, the struggle they faced to come to terms with their mothers' involvement in prostitution and drug use, the impact such experiences left on the mother-child relationship, as well as the intergenerational cycle of prostitution and drug use. This study has also highlighted the self-protective factors and coping mechanisms that reinforced participants' resilience. Recommendations for future research as well as suggestions for future services are included.