Experiences of Parents with a Socially Withdrawn Son

From Transition to Social Withdrawal and Overcoming Critical Situations

Abstract

Long-term experiences of parents living with a son aged over 30 years, who was socially withdrawn and dependent were investigated. The processes from initial withdrawal to overcoming critical situations, such as domestic violence, were examined. The parents asked for help from a third person when their son’s condition could no longer be ignored, and because the parents could not understand him even after repeated communication attempts. However, it was not easy to find a good advisor. Sometimes they were criticized or hurt by disappointing responses. Especially, the mother felt a strong sense of isolation during the initial period. She often regretted and reflected on her child rearing methods. On the other hand, her husband understood her and supported her by dealing with the problems together. The parents changed after meeting a good advisor and they came to understand distinct methods of dealing with their son, felt relaxed as a result of sharing the problems, and became able to keep an appropriate distance from their son by obtaining accurate knowledge and information.