Parenting a child with ADHD: Exploring the experiences of single mothers with ADHD

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT : Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental, neurobiological conditionof inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. Recent studies and a new understanding of ADHDreveal that many individuals continue to experience ADHD symptoms throughout adolescenceand into adulthood. ADHD results in functional impairment in various areas of an individual'slife and may result in disturbances to the family and work contexts, affect marital relationshipsand result in a tense parent-child relationship. This study, which explored the experiences ofsingle mothers with ADHD who are raising children with ADHD was exploratory andqualitative in nature. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven single mothers ofchildren with ADHD and thematically analysed. Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory ofhuman development was identified as an appropriate framework to interpret the findings due tothe biological and interpersonal complexities associated with an ADHD diagnosis across thelifespan. Thematic analysis revealed that these mothers face many challenges in their daily liferelated to their diagnosis, marital status and the stigma associated with adult ADHD and raisinga child with ADHD. These challenges were identified as negatively affecting their work-relatedresponsibilities, financial management, diagnoses, emotional and mental wellbeing andmaintaining new relationships. Despite the multitude of challenges the participants faced daily,they identified several strategies that were employed to maintain their wellbeing, support theirchildren's development and manage daily tasks. Such strategies focused on structured parentingand nurturing their children's independence. The findings also indicated that single motherswith ADHD who are raising children with ADHD experience stigma in various areas of theirlives. The mother-child relationship was identified as being based on mutual empathy andunderstanding despite challenges related to their diagnosis. The results of this study highlightthe need for mental health and medical professionals to contribute to designing andimplementing interventions for similar family systems, which are currently widelyunacknowledged and who perceive an immense lack of support across all their systems.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University