ATYPICAL MOTHERHOOD AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THERAPEUTIC LISTENING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF EMOTIONAL BURDEN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Abstract

Atypical motherhood may involve continuous caregiving demands, specialized follow-up, and the reorganization of family routines, contributing to emotional burden and maternal stress. This article aimed to analyze the possible contributions of therapeutic listening to the management of emotional burden among atypical mothers from the perspective of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. A qualitative narrative literature review was conducted, including searches in academic sources and the selection of publications related to atypical motherhood, maternal mental health, social support, therapeutic listening, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. The selected materials were read, organized, and discussed through a narrative thematic synthesis. The findings indicate that atypical mothers may experience stress, feelings of guilt, exhaustion, and fragile support networks. Therapeutic listening appears to be potentially relevant because it provides emotional support, facilitates the expression of feelings, and contributes to understanding the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. However, based on this review, it is not possible to state that listening alone reduces emotional burden or produces causal effects on mental health. It is concluded that therapeutic listening may be included in the psychological care of these mothers, in combination with cognitive-behavioral strategies and other forms of family, social, and institutional support.