Fundamentals of Mental Health

Fundamentals of Mental Health

Preschool children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Iranian fathers’ experiences

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Zahra Hossainzadeh Maleki 1
Kazem Rasoolzadeh Tabatbaei 2
Ali Mashhadi 3
Fatemeh Moharreri 4
1 Ph.D. student in psychology, Department of psychology, School of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate professor, Department of psychology, School of Humanities, Tabiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
3 Associate professor, Department of psychology, Faculty of Education Sciences and Psychology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran
4 Associate professor of child and adolescent psychiatry, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
10.22038/jfmh.2018.11125
Abstract
Introduction: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common disorders in children, but so far little attention has been paid to the fathers of these children and what they experience. This study aimed to provide a deeper understanding of life experiences of Iranian fathers with ADHD preschoolers.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative design using phenomenological approach was chosen as the research method. It consisted of 9 fathers with 4-6 years old children suffering from ADHA, who were recruited through purposive sampling until saturation was reached. Information was collected through in-depth interview. Colaizzi method was used to analyze the interviews.
Results: The essential structure of fathers' experiences was "constant exposure to daily challenges", which included the following main categories: ups and downs of effective behavior management, dissatisfaction with mental health services, and undesirable interactions. 
Conclusion: Increased awareness about life experiences of fathers of ADHD preschoolers helps in orienting functions and providing support.
Keywords
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Experiences
Fathers
Phenomenologic
Preschooler
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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 20, Issue 4
July and August 2018
Pages 231-239