Establishing integrity : parenting process among parents of healthy adolescents

Abstract

Parenting during adolescence is crucial for children development and health. However, there is less evidence that could explain how parents raise their adolescents, especially, in Thailand. The current study was aimed at explaining the parenting process among parents of healthy adolescents in the Thai context. A grounded theory study design was chosen. Nineteen parents (families) of healthy late adolescents aged 18-20 years were in-depth interviewed. Transcripts were analyzed by using the constant comparative analysis process. Data collecting and analyzing, including memo writing were done simultaneously until finishing the research process. Finding indicated that the process of "Establishing integrity" (Karn Saang Serm Kwam Mun Kong) occurred when the parents recognized the child being an adolescent, and then the three major parenting activities were performed simultaneously throughout the adolescent period, which consisted of: "reinforcing connectedness," "enhancing maturity," and "protecting." Eventually, the parents believed that their adolescent was being an adult that had demonstrated his/her integrity regarding maturity and well-being. In conclusion, adolescence is a challenge and usually necessitates adjustment in the parenting process and activities suited for the child developmental stage to promote the adolescents’ integrity both body and mind. The benefits of this study will assist nurses and other health care providers. They can apply this substantive knowledge to promote effective parenting of adolescents for parents with the appropriate intervention. Future research should be focused on testing this process model with a large population. It should include developing a measurement device for assessing the process of parenting adolescents suited for the Thai context.