dc.description.abstract |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) affects family dynamics
significantly, affecting parent child communication, children's sibling relationship,
daily routines, coping strategies, and family financial stability. Children with ADHD
have special emotional, psychological, and financial problems for their families that
affect their families’ quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
lived experiences of parents who have a child with ADHD, and how the condition
impacts communication, family routines, emotional well-being and coping strategies.
The design of this study was qualitative, phenomenological, and included in-depth
interviews with eight parents of children diagnosed with ADHD who met the inclusion
criteria. Self-made open-ended questions were used to conduct the study. Recurring
patterns and insights from the responses of the participants were identified using
content analysis. It also found that parent-child communication tends to be tenuous as
a result of impulsivity and inattention, and that sibling relationships can be fraught with
stress caused by emotional tension or jealousy, and social isolation. Parents reported
major disruption to family routines and many were feeling exhausted and dependent.
How families coped differed from structured routines, emotional support systems, or
even therapeutic interventions to financial difficulty to afford viable care.
The results of the study suggest that tailored family centered interventions, financial
assistance programs, inclusive school environments, and public awareness campaigns
will assist families with ADHD. Future research needs to move to longitudinal studies
as well as perspectives of multiple stakeholders to better understand how ADHD
continues to affect families over time.
Key words: ADHD, Family Dynamics, Communication Difficulties, Parental
Resilience. |
en_US |