A phenomenological study on posttraumatic growth experiences of parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

YANG Jinxia; CAO Suying; WANG Guoying; ZHOU Huimin; WANG Yayun; ZHANG Huan

doi:10.12104/j.issn.1674-4748.2025.10.002

Abstract：Objective:To explore the real experiences of post-traumatic growth among parents of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)and provide references for developing clinical practice materials such as parental education manuals.Methods:Using purposeful sampling,in-depth interviews were conducted with 9 parents of T1DM children treated in the endocrinology department of a tertiary grade A children's hospital between May and November 2023.Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's 7-step phenomenological analysis method.Results:Three themes emerged,negative emotional experiences during the traumatic phase,including fear and anxiety about diagnosis,regret over failing to recognize early symptoms,concerns about disease progression and the future,worries about the child's psychological well-being and social relationships,and financial stress related to medical costs.Positive emotional experiences post-trauma,encompassing disease understanding and acceptance,hope for cure,and appreciation for healthcare professionals'support.Post-traumatic needs for disease management,involving demands for disease knowledge,peer support,social support,and follow-up guidance.Conclusions:Parents of T1DM children initially exhibit negative emotional responses when confronting disease-related trauma.With medical and social support,these emotions gradually transition to post-traumatic positive experiences.Concurrently,their needs for disease management knowledge increase continuously.Healthcare providers should offer targeted guidance through diversified approaches to help parents effectively cope with trauma,achieve post-traumatic growth,and enhance family-based disease management capabilities.