Parents' Challenges in Children's Psychotherapeutic Interventions: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Background

Parental engagement in a child's psychotherapeutic interventions for Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD) greatly influences the effectiveness of the treatment. However, various challenges can hinder parents' active participation in these interventions. Aim: To gain a deeper understanding of the challenges parents encounter while engaging in their child's psychotherapeutic interventions, this study explored the specific challenges faced by parents within the Malaysian context.

Materials and Methods

A transcendental phenomenological approach was used in this study to provide an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by parents during their engagement with their child's mental health services. Applying Seidman's three-interview series, empirical voices from seven parents (six mothers and one father) in peninsula Malaysia were collected. The Stevick–Colaizzi–Keen method was used to analyse data collected from individual interviews.

Results

The parents' experiences of challenges in children's psychotherapeutic interventions uncovered three significant themes with seven subthemes. ‘Delivery of Therapy’ emerged as the first main theme, with cost of therapy, service accessibility and structure of therapy as subthemes. The second main theme was ‘Pre-therapy Preparation’, with preparatory work before therapy and children's level of acceptance as subthemes. Finally, the third main theme was 'Therapist's Professionalism', with the therapist's credibility and working relationship with the therapist as the subthemes.

Discussion

Findings highlight challenges that hinder timely and effective psychotherapeutic interventions, adding emotional strain for parents.

Conclusion

Addressing these challenges through comprehensive mental health policies could empower all stakeholders to deliver high-quality services and foster parental engagement.