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

Abstract

Aim

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.

Methods

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.

Results

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.

Conclusion

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.

Keywords:

• Occupational therapy
• parenting strategies
• qualitative study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Notes on contributors

Koki Kura

Koki Kura is an occupational therapist at Harbor Children's Daycare, and, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kitasato University, and a Researcher in the Faculty of Rehabilitation at Kobe Gakuin University. His research focuses on support for children with developmental disorders and their families.

Masanori Ariyoshi

Masanori Ariyoshi is an occupational therapist, a former associate professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Hyogo Medical University. His research focuses on support for children with developmental disorders.

Taigou Yamada

Taigou Yamada is an occupational therapist, a professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation, Hyogo Medical University. His research focuses on support for person with mental illness.