This thesis explores parenthood in the context of anxiety. Chapter One presents a systematic literature review exploring parenting behaviours in parents with anxiety disorders. This aims to critically review studies which consider the association between parental anxiety disorder and parenting behaviour towards school-aged children, specifically those that independently observe parent-child interactions. Fifteen such studies of parents diagnosed with anxiety disorders were reviewed. The majority of studies presented comparative data of anxious and non-anxious parents, frequently finding no differences between groups. Inconsistencies in the findings are highlighted and discussed. Methodological and theoretical limitations, implications for clinical practice and theory, and recommendations for future research are discussed. The review concludes that evidence does not consistently demonstrate a relationship between parental anxiety disorder and parenting, which supports findings of other reviews in the area. However, numerous methodological limitations associated with the use of independent observation must be considered. Chapter Two is an empirical paper regarding mothers’ experiences of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Nine mothers who associated their OCD onset or exacerbation with a pregnancy or child’s birth were interviewed. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore their experiences, with particular consideration to motherhood in the context of OCD. Two superordinate themes of ‘changing identity’ and ‘disconnection’ were interpreted. Consideration is given to how these findings relate to existing research into obsessive-compulsive disorder, maternal mental health and motherhood. Methodological limitations, clinical implications and potential future directions for research are discussed. Chapter Three provides reflections on the research journey. Specifically, the paper considers the researcher’s selection of the research area and explores reflections on areas where the researcher’s experience of the research converged with experiences of the mothers with OCD who participated in the research project.