Parenting of Children with Conduct Disorder: A Grounded Theory Study

Narges Kargarisisi

Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

Corresponding Author, Email: kargarinarges@gmail.com

Background and Aim: Parenting children with conduct disorder (CD) presents unique and complex challenges that impact both the child and the family unit. Previous research has primarily focused on the behaviors and clinical outcomes of children with CD, often overlooking the intricate dynamics of parenting in such contexts. This study aims to explore and identify the factors influencing parenting practices for children with CD.

Methods: This grounded theory study was conducted following the guidelines outlined by Strauss and Corbin (1997). We selected 13 parents (both mothers and fathers) from two health centers in Tehran through purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria included being a primary caregiver of a child diagnosed with CD and willingness to participate in in-depth interviews. Data collection continued until theoretical saturation was achieved, ensuring a robust analysis of the emerging themes. Ethical considerations, including informed consent and confidentiality, were strictly adhered to throughout the study.

Results: The study identified two core phenomena: the pervasive stress of managing CD-related behaviors and the coping strategies parents develop over time.  Five causal conditions influencing these phenomena were identified: child’s behavior, family dynamics, parental mental health, socioeconomic status, parental education and knowledge. Consequences of strategies ranged from parental burnout, family conflict, impact on sibling relationships and well-being. Our main findings are five contextual factors which are crucial as they significantly shape and influence the experiences and strategies of parents managing children with conduct disorder.

Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing parenting practices for children with CD. The findings highlight the need for multi-faceted, targeted support programs that consider the broader family and societal context. By identifying specific causal, intervening, and contextual factors, along with effective strategies and their consequences, this research offers valuable insights for developing more effective interventions and support mechanisms for families managing CD.