Investigating the determinants of perceived shame in young adults with paternal substance use disorder in Pakistan: A phenomenological study.

Background: Substance use disorder profoundly affects not only the individuals with the condition but also their family members, particularly children. The impact on children can be long-lasting, influencing their development and well-being throughout their lives. The study explored the determinants of perceived shame in young adults with paternal substance use disorder in Pakistan.

Method: Eight young adults aged 20-30 with paternal substance use disorder were selected through a purposive sampling technique for this study. A phenomenological research design, with interpretative phenomenological analysis, was used to gain an in-depth and comprehensive perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participants.

Result: Two master themes with respective two sub-themes along with 40 codes were identified i.e., personal distress (psychological problems and existential crises) and social and relational issues (social problems and interpersonal turmoil).

Conclusion: Shame is the dominant factor that young adults with paternal substance use face. The study highlighted that these young adults face many personal, social, and relational issues that intensify their feelings of shame. This study may assist mental health professionals in developing effective strategies to decrease the feeling of shame in young adults affected by paternal substance use disorder.