Necessidades parentais em pais de crianças com perturbação de hiperatividade e défice de atenção (PHDA)

Abstract

Theoretical Foundation: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts children's behavior and cognition, leading to consequences in personal, academic, and family domains. These consequences may include academic difficulties, social relationship problems, and stigmatization from peers and family members. The role of parents in caring for children with ADHD becomes particularly challenging, as they often face high levels of stress and require specific support to manage the demands related to their children’s behavior. Objectives: This study aims to identify the parental needs of caregivers of children diagnosed with ADHD, in order to provide insights that can guide targeted interventions and promote the well-being of these families. Methodology: Data was collected using a questionnaire adapted to the Portuguese context, consisting of 28 questions divided into seven dimensions, administered via Google Forms. Results: The sample consisted of twelve caregivers of children with ADHD, the majority of whom were female, aged 46, married, and residing in Lisbon. Parents of children with ADHD reported having good knowledge about symptoms and pharmacological treatments but limited awareness of behavioral interventions. Their main concerns included their children’s social skills, learning, and inattention, with impulsivity seen as particularly challenging. They valued psychological support and educational materials, while family support was considered moderately important. Psychological interventions were prioritized over school adaptations, reflecting dissatisfaction with educational support. Although many parents did not report feelings of overload or irritation, they acknowledged the need for emotional support and self-care. Discussion and Conclusion: Several needs of caregivers were identified. Although this study provides valuable insights, it does not address the scarcity of research on this topic due to its limited sample size and requires replication. The findings presented here contribute to guiding future interventions in this context.

Date of Award	20 Dec 2024
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Filipa Ribeiro (Supervisor) & Vânia Lopes (Co-Supervisor)