Life Satisfaction in Children with ADHD: Parental Perspectives on Abuse and Bullying
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61518/ijpw-166Keywords:
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Child Abuse, Bullying Victimization, Life Satisfaction, Parental Perspectives.Abstract
This study examines the relationship between experiences of abuse and bullying and life satisfaction in children diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), based on parents’ perspectives. The study sample consisted of 25 parents selected using purposive and snowball sampling methods. The children’s ages ranged from 5 to 10 (M = 8.2, SD = 2.49); 9 were attending nursery school, and 16 were at the primary school level. The data collected through semi-structured interviews were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), following the analytical stages proposed by Smith and Osborn. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed, revealing five main themes and twenty-one sub-themes. “Perpetrators of abuse and bullying, types of abuse and bullying experienced, consequences of exposure to abuse and bullying, the perceived relationship between abuse, bullying, and life satisfaction, and measures to prevent abuse and bullying” are the headings comprising the five main themes. In their statements, parents indicate that exposure to abuse and bullying negatively affects children’s sense of self-worth, social bonds, sense of belonging and well-being, thereby reducing their life satisfaction. These findings, obtained from the interviews, emphasize the importance of family support, support from teachers and peers, as well as social awareness and support, in safeguarding the well-being of children with ADHD who are victims of abuse and bullying. The findings suggest that certain measures taken for children with ADHD, particularly during the pre-adolescent period, could play a significant role in both preventing these children from experiencing hardship and preventing a decline in their life satisfaction.
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