Article

PURPOSE: To explore the grieving, coping and resiliency experiences of parents of
children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate the suitability of chronic
sorrow theory as a framework to understand those experiences.
This study
combined focus groups with a web-based cross-sectional survey to explore chronic
sorrow in parents of children with CP. Eight parents of children with CP
participated in focus groups.
The discussion was transcribed verbatim and
thematic analysis was performed. A further 94 parents participated in the
web-based survey study in which they completed the Adapted Burke Questionnaire on
chronic sorrow. A content analysis of responses was used to confirm the primary
qualitative analysis. RESULTS: The reports of parents in the focus group were
consistent with chronic sorrow theory, as were the responses of parents to the
web-based survey. Some parents found the diagnosis itself a distressing time
whereas others found it a relief. Parents reported that times of medical and
allied health intervention were particularly challenging. CONCLUSION: Chronic
sorry theory is a useful way of understanding the experiences of parents of
children with CP. It is recommended that health practitioners are mindful that,
even years after diagnosis, parents of children with CP may experience
intensified chronic sorrow symptoms following a triggering event and that this is
normal.

Langue : ANGLAIS