Ground theory about the psychological reactions of fathers to the diagnosis of autism in their children

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Psychology and Counselling, Farhangian University, P.O. Box 14665-889, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this research was to present an explanatory theory about the psychological reactions of fathers to the diagnosis of their child's autism.

Methods: The method of this research is qualitative and grounded theory type. The statistical population of this research is fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder with average functioning. 6 participants were selected by theoretical sampling method and based on theoretical saturation. The data collection tool was a semi-structured interview that was conducted face-to-face. In order to analyze the data, first, open codes were extracted from the text of the interviews, and after summarizing, removing and merging the open codes, central codes were extracted. Then, by classifying and summarizing the categories and finding major connections between the categories, selected codes were obtained.

Findings: 21 categories and 6 themes were identified, based on which a three-stage paradigm model including diagnosis, reaction and post-reaction stages was presented. The 6 extracted subjects are in these stages.

Conclusion: Although most fathers accept the issue of autism in their child, this acceptance is mainly due to coercion. This issue doubles the necessity of designing appropriate interventions to prevent psychological injuries and maintain marital and parenting abilities.

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History

  • Receive Date: 12 June 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 July 2024
  • Accept Date: 29 July 2024

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