Trajectoires de résilience chez des mères adolescentes victimes de violence de la part de leur partenaire amoureux : implications théoriques et pratiques pour le domaine de la promotion de la santé

Giving birth at a young age may represent a situation of adversity affecting the life of young women and their children. Being a victim of violence at the hands of an intimate partner also represents an important source of adversity, notably because this may lead to numerous consequences on health. Jointly, those two sources of adversity can seriously affect a life course trajectory. However, young mothers may overcome those obstacles. Based on a joint intersectional approach and a life course perspective, this study allows for a better understanding of the different components of a resilience trajectory in a context of dual adversity. As very few studies done in Quebec exist on this subject, an important part of this thesis is also devoted to expanding the literature on early pregnancy in a context of intimate violence.  Young mothers who gave birth in a context of adversity (victims of relational violence), who identified themselves as resilient and who were recognised as such by the counsellors with whom they are in contact, participated in this exploratory study. These 19 women shared their stories through in-depth and group interviews. Additionally, field observations allowed for a better understanding and contextualization of early pregnancy and its associated challenges. Their words and stories, transcribed and then analyzed sequentially in a manner inspired by grounded theory analysis strategies, are at the center of the analysis.  The theoretical model of a resilience trajectory presented in this thesis has five components: the source(s) of adversity, the turning point, the processes, the promoting factors, and the vulnerability factors. Indicators that can help identify a resilience trajectory are also proposed. One of the notable aspects that emerges from this study is the importance of maternity as a turning point. Indeed, motherhood accentuates the resilience of these women’s life course trajectory, mainly by allowing them to create a bond with their baby, who depends on them for his or her survival and needs. This study also provides a better understanding of the processes that helped these mothers overcome difficulties: 1) building a life setting better suited for their child ; 2) activating themselves in regards to their toxic relationships; 3) mobilizing and using existing resources and 4) using the past to move forward: (re)investing in skills and knowledge gained through previous adversities. The promoting factors, as well as the vulnerability factors, are rooted in a systemic lecture and can be associated to various ecological levels. While the formers represent elements upon which a resilience trajectory may originate and expand, the latters may weaken that trajectory. Possible outcomes of this study for health promotion research and intervention are discussed, notably in terms of future action and reflection.

Keyphrases: Recherche qualitative, Resilience, Early pregnancy, Intimate partner violence, Intersectionality, Life course perspective, Qualitative research