Career adaptability of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Creative Commons License

Ozdemir N., KOÇ M.

CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY, cilt.42, sa.17, ss.14320-14333, 2023 (SSCI) identifier identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 42 Sayı: 17
  • Basım Tarihi: 2023
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12144-021-02649-9
  • Dergi Adı: CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Psycinfo
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.14320-14333
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Career adaptability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parents, Qualitative Research, COVID-19 pandemic, ADAPT-ABILITIES SCALE, WORK-FAMILY FIT, DISABLED-CHILDREN, BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS, CHILDHOOD AUTISM, EMPLOYED PARENTS, SELF-EFFICACY, STRESS, MOTHERS, IMPACT
  • Hacettepe Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This descriptive phenomenological study examines career adaptability of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Participants include 30 parents (18 fathers and 12 mothers; 6 of them were couples) ranging in age from 26 to 45 years, selected by a purposive sampling method. The semi-structured interview form developed by the researchers based on the Career Construction Theory was used to collect data after receiving expert verification on the questions. In addition, to triangulate data sources, the Participant Feedback Form filled by the participants on the day following the interview and the Researcher Diary filled by the interviewer during the data collection process were utilized. Colaizzi's seven-step method was followed to analyze the data. Four major domains emerged, highlighting traumas/changes in work-life after ASD, career adaptability, influences of COVID-19 pandemic, and post-interview awareness of this particular sample. Results from the study highlighted looking ahead, being persistent, career decision-making, career-exploration accompanied by some expectations such as more time, income and flexibility, and coping skills build upon the ASD, along with postponement and abandonment of previous career goals, alteration of future career plans, and lack of self-exploration. The results contributed to the theory by providing evidence for career adaptability of parents of children with individual differences, including career adaptability resources and needs. Findings also implied the need for interventions to foster career adaptability skills of parents regarding looking ahead in a positive way, decision-making, self-exploration, and coping with career barriers and difficulties.