The purpose of this study was to clarify the process of their adjustment leading to the performance of father's roles, and to carry out qualitative descriptive research aimed at discussing support for such fathers. Participants in this study were eight fathers of children with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (hereafter "severely disabled children") living at home. Fathers experienced "anguish that their child is disabled" but found their own way to "change their feelings by recognizing the reality" and made a fresh start toward life at home with the child. Thereafter, fathers commenced activities such as "creating a foundation in order to live with the severely disabled child," "supplementing child-rearing and housework for their wives," "serving as a shield for their wives," and "also valuing the severely-disabled child's siblings." In doing so, they "faced the real world by putting themselves back together, even as they struggled." This process led to fathers resolving to "do what can be done in the present." To support the performance of father's roles, it is necessary to provide a setting where fathers can express their emotions and to support their words and actions.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

This study aims to clarify how nurses assess two-year-old children to prepare them for blood withdrawal or an intravenous drip injection, by interviewing fifteen nurses responsible for preparing such children. The results showed that nurses observe the child's (1) physical and mental condition, (2) level of comfort in an unfamiliar environment, (3) relationship with his or her parents, (4) ability to understand what people are saying, (5) initiative in trying to perform activities independently, (6) understanding of the nature of these procedures, and (7) realization that something is going to happen and readiness to face it. The assessment is concluded by observing three more aspects: (8) the child's reaction after he or she realizes what was going to happen, (9) his or her readiness for the procedure, and (10) parents' cooperation in the medical treatment as well as their letting the child know that he or she is going to undergo these procedures.

View full abstract

Patients with Congenital heart disease (CHD) encounter specific difficulties starting in infancy, and must try to overcome these difficulties as they age. In this study, we focus on resilience, as an indicator of personal strength. The purpose of the study is to clarify factors that comprise resilience in students, adolescents, and young men and women with CHD. In this study, focus group interviews were conducted on 4 groups which consisted of 3-5 people, 16 people (6 women and 10 men; mean age 18.2 years). Subjects illnesses were Transposition of the great artery, Single ventricle, Pulmonary atresia and so on. Total participated interview data were qualitatively analyzed. In total, 212 codes, 45 subcategories, and 10 categories were identified. The extracted categories were classified into the following 3 factors which are factors of resilience based on the work of Grotberg: [I AM], comprised of 5 categories; [I CAN], comprised of 2 categories; and [I HAVE], comprised of 3 categories. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: 1) It is important that patients with CHD have inner strength, for instance, the strength to accept their illness and work hard. 2) It is important to get support from others for their growth at any developmental stage. 3) It is important for them to be able to actually feel that they are being supported by their friends and family. 4) The content changes with the developmental stage; however, at any developmental stage, it is important to understand and manage the illness.

View full abstract

This study involved semi-structured interviews with an aim to identify the process of developing relationships between children with autistic spectrum disorder and their siblings who live together. The constant comparison method was used to analyze the interview data obtained from 10 siblings of autistic children aged between 10-22 years old using a qualitative and inductive approach, and the validity and consistency of the analysis were confirmed by two healthy adult siblings. As the results, [relationships that maintain an appropriate distance to the world of the autistic child] was extracted from 9 categories. The subjects recognized the "unique world view of their sibling with autism" and "difficulties understanding the world of the sibling", and showed "compassion towards the sibling", although they felt "communication difficulties", "emotional distance that never lessens", and "conflict over the behavior of the sibling". They also perceived the sibling as an "inseparable presence" after "positively accepting his/her favorable changes", and developed and promoted a "relationship that is not too close nor too distant" by mutual interactions. Healthy siblings tried to secure their lives and identity and those of the autistic child by maintaining this relationship.

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract

[in Japanese]

View full abstract