Mutual intentionality: A theory of support processes in pregnant African American women

The grounded theory study described in this article explored social support processes in low-income African American women during high-risk pregnancy and early parenthood. Participants included 10 pregnant African American wo men, 3 close support providers, and II health care providers. Investigators served as participant observers and conducted audiotaped interviews. The s ubstantive theory of support that emerged from the data was labeled "mutual intentionality." This term described the active role that both pregnant wo man and support givers played in the helping process. The phrase "being the re" summarized the women's definition of support, implying that the support giver was available and willing to provide help when needed. Support was f urther described as "caring," "respecting," "sharing information" with, "kn owing," "believing in," and "doing for" the other. For support to happen, m utuality must be established within the relationship, and both support give r and recipient intentionally aim to meet the recipient's identified needs.