Conceptual Model of Effective Parenting Strategies for Mother with Children Who Experience Developmental Disorders

• Published in: Physical & occupational therapy in pediatrics Vol. 44; no. 5; p. 656
• Main Authors: Kura, Koki, Ariyoshi, Masanori, Yamada, Taigou
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 2024
• Subjects: Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Developmental Disabilities - psychology; Developmental Disabilities - rehabilitation; Female; Grounded Theory; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Mother-Child Relations - psychology; Mothers - psychology; Occupational Therapy - methods; Parenting - psychology; Qualitative Research; Stress, Psychological - psychology; Occupational therapy; qualitative study; parenting strategies
• DOI: 10.1080/01942638.2024.2350402

Prior studies on Japanese parents raising children with developmental disorders have predominantly emphasized negative psychological aspects like parenting conflicts and challenges. Purpose of this study was to construct a conceptual model to aid mothers in parenting children with developmental disorders by identifying effective parenting strategies. In this qualitative study, participants were mothers who engaged in a home program through individual outpatient occupational therapy. Therapy sessions occurred biweekly, totaling 12 sessions, each lasting 40 min. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed through the Modified Grounded Theory Approach. Analysis of mothers' narratives revealed heightened physical burden, psychological distress, severe stress, and social isolation. Our findings highlight those mothers who engaged in the home program navigated the intricate parenting landscape through problem-solving, including managing negative emotions, their demanding schedules, and societal norms. This study offers insights into the perceptions, experiences, and behaviors of families in supporting the development of parenting strategies within the family. Occupational therapy should prioritize evaluating a mother's parenting context and her interactions with her environment. Furthermore, it is crucial to provide support for her to independently formulate suitable parenting strategies that resonate with the specific circumstances of her family.