A narrative analysis of one mother's story of child custody loss and regain

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to illustrate how existing theoretical concepts may be used to advance understanding of the maternal identity of mothers who lose and regain custody of their children. The study subject was a fifty-five-year-old African-American single mother of three. She consented to an interview with the author regarding her experience with mothering, seven years after reunification with her children. The interview was a general interview guide. It was audio-taped and transcribed following standard transcription practices. The 76-page text was analyzed with a form of structural narrative analysis that allowed identification of the surface and deep manifestations of her maternal identity. Findings are evaluated in relation to child welfare research and practice.