An Investigation of the Impact of Caring for a Child with a Feeding Dysfunction on Parental Occupations
Graduation Date
2008
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy
Department
Occupational Therapy
Department or Program Chair
Ruth Ramsey, EdD, OTR/L
Thesis Advisor
Stacy Frauwirth, MS, OTR/L
Second Advisor
Joanne Figone, MS, OTR/L
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate and describe the impact that caring for a child with a feeding dysfunction has on parental occupations. This was a qualitative, non-experimental study that used semi- structured interviews in order to explore the occupational function of five mothers with children who have feeding dysfunction. Transcribed interviews were read and patterns of occupational impact experienced by parents were identified.
Three themes emerged related to parenting a child with feeding dysfunction. "Not enough time" describes the all- encompassing experience of the mothers of not having time to engage in their former and newly desired occupations. I can't do it alone" describes the mothers' need for support from family and friends. Lastly, "getting them to eat, describes the mothers' efforts and range of strategies m managing to feed their child.
Caring for a child with a feeding dysfunction is not the same as caring for a child with a non-feeding related disability. Through tremendous effort, the mothers found their strength to sacrifice their time, alter their occupations, and develop strategies in order to provide the best care for the health of their children.