Abstract
A parent's insight into their children is based on the children's and parents' psychological stability. Parents of children receiving developmental support may have parent-child relationship concerns. This study aimed to clarify such parents' process in gaining insight into their children and the influence of parental reflective function on this process. Semi-structured interviews with five parents were analyzed using the Modified Grounded Theory Approach; six categories and 19 concepts were identified. Although parents grasped "understanding their children's behaviors" from a parents' perspective, they gained insight into their children by "confronting one's emotions and thoughts" through reflection. "A process to accept disability" and "feelings and behavior for future outlook" promoted parental reflective function. The transition process from reflection to gaining insight was influenced by "confronting experiences of being cared for" and "being aware of experiences of being supported." The study findings indicated the importance of supporters who understand their children's characteristics and express their emotions.
