′He calls everyone “dad” on the street’: divorce experiences of parents of children with neurodevelopment conditions
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, vol.1, no.1, pp.1-23, 2024 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 1 Issue: 1
- Publication Date: 2024
- Doi Number: 10.1080/20473869.2024.2440055
- Journal Name: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
- Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, EMBASE, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Psycinfo
- Page Numbers: pp.1-23
- Anadolu University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Objectives
It is stated that families with children with neurodevelopment condition experience difficulties in marital quality and harmony, and the level of stress among parents is high. It is seen that children with neurodevelopment condition are affected more than their peers during divorce processes. This study aims to determine the experiences of parents and children with neurodevelopment condition during divorce process.
Methods
Phenomenological research design is used, and 17 divorced parents participated in the study. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed with content analysis.
Results
Results showed that the birth of a child with neurodevelopment condition negatively affects the life of the parents and leads to disruption of marital dynamics, the child usually starts living with the mother after the divorce.
Conclusions
It was observed that the stress in the family increased with the birth of the child with neurodevelopment condition, marital harmony deteriorated, and the mothers were left to fight alone. It could be suggested that comprehensive policies, counseling and psychotherapy should be implemented to strengthen the family.