Date of Award
Summer 7-21-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
August 2026
College Granting Degree
Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Joy Longo
Abstract
Maternal-infant separation following birth is a profoundly distressing experience that may have significant emotional, relational, and health implications for mothers with substance use disorders (SUD). Guided by Caring Science and Swanson’s Theory of Caring, the purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore the dimensions of the health challenge associated with maternal-infant separation among mothers with SUD following birth and the approaches mothers used to navigate and respond to that experience. Data were collected through semi structured interviews with mothers who had experienced separation from their infants following birth and analyzed using deductive and inductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed that maternal-infant separation was experienced as a profound emotional, relational, and identity-related disruption that extended beyond physical separation alone. Themes related to the health challenge of separation included disrupted maternal connection and identity and failure to maintain belief, whereas themes related to mothers’ responses included motherhood as a catalyst for transformation and navigating separation through connection and support. Mothers described experiences of grief, shame, fear, stigma, emotional distress, and disrupted maternal identity while also identifying motherhood, hope, connection, and supportive relationships as important influences during recovery and reunification efforts. Findings further suggested that healthcare interactions, stigma, and fragmented systems of care shaped mothers’ experiences during separation. This study contributes to nursing knowledge by providing insight into the lived experiences of mothers with SUD during maternal-infant separation and highlighting the importance of compassionate, trauma-informed, and relationship-centered approaches that preserve maternal dignity and support maternal-infant connection during periods of separation.
Recommended Citation
Depascale, Tamara Lee, "UNDERSTANDING THE EXPERIENCE OF SEPARATION ON THE SUBSTANCE-EXPOSED MOTHER-INFANT DYAD" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 404.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/404