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

In Tuicomepee, A., Suttiwan, P., Wiwattanapantuwong, J., Tan, LM. (eds) (2025). ACAP 2025: Applied Psychology in Asia (pp.19-41). Singapore: Springer Nature.

DOI

10.1007/978-981-95-6649-5_2

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11861/26721

Description

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.

Type

Conference Paper

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

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