Parenting Children With Externalizing Disorders: A Qualitative Study From South India

AimsExternalizing disorders are one of the most prevalent childhood disorders. This study aimed to understand the experiences of parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder (CD) in the Indian context, with an equal representation of both fathers and mothers.MethodA qualitative exploratory design was utilized. 6 mothers and 5 fathers of children diagnosed with either ADHD, ODD, or CD were recruited using purposive sampling from the Department of Paediatrics and the Department of Clinical Psychology of a private hospital in India. The interviews followed a semi-structured schedule and were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsSix main themes were identified: child's behavior and emotional responsiveness, parental strain, imbalanced roles in the parental dyad, societal perceptions, reflective coping in parents, and parental concerns for the future. Parenting children with externalizing disorders was reported to be challenging, with most mothers facing an unequal burden. Children's need for screentime was an emerging concern.ImplicationsThe study implies the significant need to adapt interventions for Indian parents, keeping in mind cultural beliefs, while also ensuring adequate involvement of fathers in the treatment process. Regulation of screentime could be an additional target of intervention.