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Behavioral Sciences
Volume 15
Issue 11
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Behav. Sci., Volume 15, Issue 11 (November 2025) – 2 articles

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19 pages, 319 KB  
Article
Maternal Regret and the Myth of the Good Mother: A Psychosocial Thematic Analysis of Italian Women in a Patriarchal Culture
by Erika Iacona, Maria Masina and Ines Testoni
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111433 - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
Motherhood regret still constitutes a major taboo that limits the possibility of processing the negative exposure to being a mother. This qualitative study involved Italian women living both in Italy and abroad, where traditional patriarchal thinking remains influential. Sixteen women defining themselves as [...] Read more.
Motherhood regret still constitutes a major taboo that limits the possibility of processing the negative exposure to being a mother. This qualitative study involved Italian women living both in Italy and abroad, where traditional patriarchal thinking remains influential. Sixteen women defining themselves as ‘regretful were interviewed to explore their experiences of regret, the changes following the birth of children, family and social support, and employment. The thematic analysis highlighted several recurring themes: the idealisation of motherhood and the hidden struggles it conceals; the guilt associated with feeling inadequate and the indifference of some fathers; the social pressure that compels women to conform to maternal expectations; the perception of being trapped in a predefined role; and the conflict between personal identity and the ideal of the “perfect mother.”. The findings reveal that maternal regret is deeply intertwined with internalised patriarchal norms, the myth of the “good mother,” and the social expectation of women’s self-sacrifice. Despite recognising these as cultural constructs, participants expressed feelings of guilt, anger, and inadequacy, intensified by the unequal division of domestic and parental responsibilities. This issue and the need for a revival of women’s consciousness-raising groups to open a space for dialogue on the topic in countries where patriarchy is still strong, such as Italy, are discussed. Full article
22 pages, 1312 KB  
Review
Promoting Child Wellness: A Narrative Review of Positive Childhood Experiences
by Cynthia R. Rovnaghi, Donovan Castilla-Liu, Ashley M. Lee, Akul Shrivastava and Kanwaljeet J. S. Anand
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(11), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15111432 - 22 Oct 2025
Abstract
Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are increasingly recognized as critical factors that promote resilience, emotional regulation, and flourishing in children, especially in the context of adversity. This narrative review explores the conceptual development, empirical evidence, and theoretical frameworks underpinning the role of PCEs in [...] Read more.
Positive childhood experiences (PCEs) are increasingly recognized as critical factors that promote resilience, emotional regulation, and flourishing in children, especially in the context of adversity. This narrative review explores the conceptual development, empirical evidence, and theoretical frameworks underpinning the role of PCEs in early childhood development. A critical assessment of the existing literature focuses on how PCEs function as promotive and protective factors and evaluates the strengths and limitations of current measurement tools. Drawing on theories from resilience science, developmental psychopathology, positive psychology, and ecological systems theory, this review highlights the complex, multidimensional nature of PCEs and their interplay with parenting styles, socioeconomic status, and the social drivers of health. Despite compelling evidence that PCEs influence cognitive, emotional, relational, and behavioral outcomes across the lifespan, there is no dedicated validated tool for prospectively measuring PCEs in preverbal or preschool-aged children. This gap limits our ability to design and test interventions to mitigate adverse childhood experiences and to assess their developmental impact in real time and subsequent periods. We conclude that future research should focus on creating culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate instruments to measure PCEs in early life, essential for advancing equity, optimizing child health, and promoting wellness across diverse populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Developmental Psychology)
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