Feelings of loss and grief in parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

BACKGROUND

Various authors have reported feelings of loss and grief in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. However, no previous studies have investigated the structure of these feelings.

AIMS

To analyze in depth the feelings of loss in parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

METHOD

A qualitative study was conducted based on grounded theory. Twenty parents participated through purposive sampling.

PROCEDURE

Semi-structured interviews were conducted, asking about different emotional aspects of the upbringing of a child with autism spectrum disorder. Atlas.ti 6.2 program was used for open, axial, and selective coding.

RESULTS

The core category that explained the feelings of these parents was unexpected child loss, associated with shock, negation, fear, guilt, anger, and/or sadness. Two processes were identified, one associated with the resolution of grief and the other with obstacles to overcoming it.

IMPLICATIONS

Feelings of loss play an important role in explaining the complex emotions experienced by these parents. Different intervention strategies are proposed.

Cotidiano do familiar acompanhante durante a hospitalização de um membro da família

Resumo Objetivo Compreender as alterações no cotidiano do familiar acompanhante durante a hospitalização de um membro da família Métodos Pesquisa qualitativa realizado com 16 familiares acompanhantes de pessoas com dependência para o autocuidado num hospital público. As entrevistas gravadas foram realizadas individualmente, utilizando um roteiro semiestruturado. Para a organização e analise dos dados utilizamos a Análise Temática e discutimos à luz dos pressupostos teóricos e da sensibilidade propostos por Maffesoli. Resultados Emergiram quatro categorias: a ruptura do laço substancial com os filhos; a abdicação da atividade laboral para favorecer o estar-junto; os rituais do hospital no cotidiano do familiar acompanhante; o cuidado de si e a potência do estar-junto. Conclusão Permanecer em processo de acompanhamento se sobrepõe a todas as atividades da vida cotidiana dos familiares acompanhantes.