<![CDATA[Background: Stunting remains a chronic nutritional problem that affects children’s physical growth, cognitive development, and future quality of life. One essential strategy for stunting prevention is appropriate complementary feeding during the critical period of 6–24 months. However, complementary feeding practices are not influenced solely by maternal knowledge, but also by mothers’ psychosocial experiences, family support, social pressure, cultural beliefs, and emotional conditions. Objective: This study aimed to explore mothers’ psychosocial experiences in providing complementary feeding as a strategy for preventing stunting in children. Methods: This study employed a qualitative descriptive exploratory design. Thirteen mothers with children aged 6–24 months were recruited using purposive sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted from September to October 2024. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, confirmability, and transferability. Results: Participants were aged 23–37 years, while their children were aged 6–24 months. Most participants were housewives and were currently providing complementary feeding. The findings indicated that mothers’ experiences in providing complementary feeding were shaped by anxiety when children refused food, uncertainty in selecting appropriate foods, family pressure, cultural beliefs, social support, and maternal confidence in childcare. Conclusion: Mothers’ psychosocial experiences play an important role in complementary feeding practices. Stunting prevention interventions should be designed in a contextual and empathetic manner by considering the emotional, social, and cultural dimensions of family life.]]>
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