Spiritual practices as coping with mothers of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative explorative study
2025

Spiritual Practices as Coping for Mothers of Children with ADHD

Sample size: 22 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Vithana K. V. G. S. G., Asurakkody T. A.

Primary Institution: Teaching Hospital Galle, Sri Lanka

Hypothesis

The study aims to explore spiritual practices as a coping mechanism for mothers of children with ADHD.

Conclusion

Mothers use various culturally bound religious practices as effective coping mechanisms for managing their mental health while caring for a child with ADHD.

Supporting Evidence

  • Mothers reported using spiritual practices as coping mechanisms.
  • Participants expressed that their faith provided hope and comfort.
  • Support from religious leaders was identified as a significant factor in coping.

Takeaway

Moms with kids who have ADHD find comfort and help in their spiritual beliefs and practices, which make them feel better while dealing with challenges.

Methodology

Qualitative exploratory research with semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis.

Limitations

The study was limited to a small sample size and conducted in one state sector hospital in Sri Lanka.

Participant Demographics

{"age_mean":40.18,"age_distribution":{"30-35":2,"36-40":9,"41-45":11},"religion":{"Buddhist":19,"Catholic":1,"Islam":2},"education_level":{"Up to Ordinary level":1,"Passed Ordinary Level":3,"Passed Advance Level":14,"Diploma holder":1,"Graduated":3},"occupation":{"Freelance":4,"Teacher":2,"Homemaker":9,"Other":7},"child_age_distribution":{"04 years":2,"05 years":2,"06 years":3,"07 years":4,"08 years":5,"09 years":2,"10 years":2,"11 years":1,"12 years":1},"child_gender_distribution":{"Male":16,"Female":6}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/s40359-024-02331-2

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