Parenting Experience of Mothers with Children Diagnosed with ADHD: Insights from Positive Psychology Perspective

Abstract

This study on the “lived” parenting experiences of the mothers of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder revolved on the challenges experienced by the mothers with an ADHD child; their initial responses after diagnosis; their coping strategies; its impact on their well-being and on family relationship; the protective factors to their well-being; and their needs. Consensual qualitative research methodology was used in the study. Ten mothers were the study's participants, chosen by the purposive sample approach. In-depth interview was used and data were evaluated to identify the categories and domains. According to the findings, the mother's biggest struggles are dealing with the child's scholastic issues, physical aggression, stubbornness, and financial troubles. The variety of experiences can be explained by the psychological process that begins when their child is given an ADHD diagnosis. The mothers’ appraisal of their child may be positive or negative, depending on the psychological processes. Healthy coping, optimism, improved family relationships, positive well-being, and early acceptance of their child are all influenced by parents' favorable assessments of their child's condition. Negative appraisal causes harmful coping mechanisms, frustration, poor mental and physical health, and limited social interaction. A psychoeducational intervention anchored from the Positive Psychology framework was proposed to enhance adaptive coping strategies.