The stressors, coping strategies and rewarding experiences of mothers of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Main Authors: Gonzalez, Angeline Denise D., Lu, Maurice V., Santos, Joseph Russell R.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2013
• Subjects: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder; Mother and child > Mental health; Parents of attention-deficit-disordered children; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/11393
• Institution: De La Salle University

Studies about children with ADHD have been evident. However, it is also important to take into consideration the experiences of the parents of these children. Particularly, these experiences involve the different stressors, coping strategies, and positive experiences encountered by the parents as they raise their child. The purpose of this study was to examine and take note of the said experiences through a qualitative approach. Interviews were administered to 10 mothers who have children who are diagnosed with ADHD for at least a year. It was found that parents experiences stress that come in different situations, which includes additional demands in taking care of the child, conflict between daily tasks and parental duties, as well as constant and repetitive instructions given to the child. Due to these stressors, they use coping strategies that vary among how they see them fit or effective to them. These coping strategies involve activities such as engaging in simple hobbies, educating one's self about ADHD, and acknowledging the child's situation. The results also indicate that despite the difficulties encountered, these parents have had experiences that are rewarding for them, including the feeling of closeness with the child, pride from the child's accomplishments, the reciprocating love of the child, and the opportunity to develop one's self.