This study recruited 13 Hong Kong mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to participate in 1.5-h semi-structured interviews. The interviews aimed to explore the experiences of these mothers in raising children with ASD, with a specific focus on identifying experiential avoidance behaviours that may elevate parental stress. According to the framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), suppressing and avoiding stress exacerbates psychological suffering (Hayes et al. 1999). The results revealed four themes that Hong Kong parents of children with ASD tended to avoid: cognitive dissonance between expectations and reality, stigma-related distress, uncertainty-related distress, and feelings of powerlessness. The study also identified behavioural indicators, or markers, that suggest parents may be avoiding these experiences. These findings enhance therapists’ clinical sensitivity, enabling them to better recognize and address these avoidance patterns during therapy sessions. By reflecting on these themes, therapists can help parents increase their awareness and develop healthier coping strategies.

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Identifying Experiential Avoidance Themes Among Chinese Parents of Children with ASD: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis

  • Ka Ho Tong,
  • Wai Fu,
  • Hau Yee Yeung,
  • Ka Hung Galaxy Chan,
  • Wan Chi Tsoi,
  • Kit Ping Fung,
  • Yim Ping Lam

摘要

This study recruited 13 Hong Kong mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to participate in 1.5-h semi-structured interviews. The interviews aimed to explore the experiences of these mothers in raising children with ASD, with a specific focus on identifying experiential avoidance behaviours that may elevate parental stress. According to the framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), suppressing and avoiding stress exacerbates psychological suffering (Hayes et al. 1999). The results revealed four themes that Hong Kong parents of children with ASD tended to avoid: cognitive dissonance between expectations and reality, stigma-related distress, uncertainty-related distress, and feelings of powerlessness. The study also identified behavioural indicators, or markers, that suggest parents may be avoiding these experiences. These findings enhance therapists’ clinical sensitivity, enabling them to better recognize and address these avoidance patterns during therapy sessions. By reflecting on these themes, therapists can help parents increase their awareness and develop healthier coping strategies.