Parental Issues and Support Needs in Selective Mutism in Japan: A Quantitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder in which children struggle to speak in specific social situations, and parents often have trouble coping with their child’s symptoms. We analyzed parents’ issues and support needs regarding SM through their responses to two open-ended questions, examining how these needs varied with diagnosis and comorbid conditions.

Methods Quantitative content analysis was conducted on responses obtained from 70 parents of children with SM (ages 29–63 years) recruited through SM information exchange group and social networking service. The participants responded to two open-ended questions regarding the issues they faced and the support they needed for their children’s SM symptoms.

Results The results showed that issues faced by parents of children with SM could be divided into five groups: (A) Regret over Delayed Initial Response, (B) School Non-attendance in Children with SM, (C) Inadequate Support from Teachers, (D) Inconsiderate Communication Lacking Empathy from Others, and (E) Communication Barriers Leading to Bullying and Social Isolation. The support needs of parents were categorized into four groups: (a) Places for Consultation and Obtaining Information, (b) Growth in the Number of Supporters Who Understand SM, (c) Opportunities to Improve Knowledge about SM, and (d) Specific Methods for SM Improvement. Furthermore, although comorbid conditions did not significantly affect parental issues and support needs, slight differences were observed based on the presence of a diagnosis.

Conclusion This study highlights that parents of children with SM are troubled by professionals’ lack of knowledge and their children’s symptoms, driving them to seek better understanding and more resources. The results also suggest that the support needs of these parents vary depending on whether their child is diagnosed with SM. Future research should globally identify parental issues and support needs, determine the core elements, and establish a more comprehensive support system.