What is a primary motivation for mothers who commit filicide?

The primary motivation for mothers who commit filicide often stems from psycho-social issues. This encompasses a range of mental health problems, emotional distress, and personal circumstances that can lead to a breakdown in the mother-child relationship. For many mothers, factors such as postpartum depression, severe anxiety, or other psychological disorders can distort their perception of reality, leading to tragic outcomes.

These psycho-social issues can impact a mother's ability to cope with parenting demands, sometimes resulting in feelings of inadequacy, hopelessness, or extreme stress. In some cases, underlying issues such as a history of abuse, trauma, or social isolation can further complicate their mental health. Understanding this context is crucial, as it highlights the complexity of motivations behind such a devastating act, framing it not merely as a result of individual malice but as an interaction of various psychological and situational factors.

This perspective is particularly important when studying crimes committed by women, as the societal and psychological context of motherhood plays a significant role in understanding their actions.