Happiness in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study

WAI CHAU, Wanda Man and FURNESS, Penny (2023). Happiness in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Study. American Journal of Qualitative Research, 7 (1), 168-190.

[img]
Preview
PDF
Furness-HappinessInParentsOfChildren(VoR).pdf - Published Version
Creative Commons Attribution.

Download (459kB) | Preview
Official URL: https://www.ajqr.org/article/happiness-in-parents-...
Open Access URL: https://www.ajqr.org/download/happiness-in-parents... (Published version)

Abstract

Literature reports the challenges of parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and its impacts on emotional and psychosocial wellbeing, both generally and specifically in the Hong Kong context. Positive parenting experiences are less well defined; however, research and theory in the positive psychology field suggests that people living with adversity can find and create meaning, positivity and happiness. This study aimed to investigate Hong Kong parents’ experiences and perceptions of happiness and well-being in raising their children with ASD. Eight parents (2 fathers; 6 mothers) were interviewed in-depth about their parenting-related perceptions and experiences of happiness and well-being. A thematic analysis generated four themes: A Growth Mindset, Connectedness, Self-Care, and A Better Me, each comprising several related sub-themes. Findings indicated that happiness was crucial for these parents, despite the challenges of raising a child with ASD in Hong Kong, and that they actively sought out activities to enhance their happiness, satisfaction and meaning. Results are in keeping with positive psychology theory, add specific detail relating to this group and could be extended with further research. Findings could also inform policy makers and support services in the development of welfare plans, educational resources and social support for this group of vulnerable families in future.

Item Type: Article
Identification Number: https://doi.org/10.29333/ajqr/12950
Page Range: 168-190
SWORD Depositor: Symplectic Elements
Depositing User: Symplectic Elements
Date Deposited: 27 Feb 2023 17:20
Last Modified: 11 Oct 2023 16:47
URI: https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/31581

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics