A Systematic Literature Review: The Formation of Identity and Role Adjustment in Motherless Mothers

Motherless mothers—women who become mothers without the guidance of a maternal role model—face unique challenges, requiring alternative sources of knowledge and support to shape their parenting style. This experience not only affects their child-rearing methods but also influences their identities, leading them to redefine what motherhood means in their lives. This study explores how motherless mothers shape their identities through a systematic literature review. Following PRISMA guidelines, including studies with participants who lost their mothers during childhood or adolescence and are now mothers themselves. Six articles met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 74 participants aged 18 to 66. The findings identified three main themes: (1) the impact of maternal loss, (2) coping strategies, and (3) shaping personal identity as a mother. The findings highlight that motherless mothers experience significant psychological and social challenges that influence their identity formation and adaptation to motherhood, underscoring the significance of support systems in helping individuals adapt and maintain their emotional well-being.