Melo, Ellalaine E. and Sayoto, Eugene Mar B. (2007) The life experience of father who have sons with down syndrome [computer file]. Undergraduate thesis, De La Salle University-Dasmarinas.

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Abstract

ABSTRACT Name of Institution: De La Salle University – Dasmariñas Address: Dasmariñas, Cavite Title: The Life Experiences of Fathers who have Sons with Down Syndrome Authors: Ellalaine E. Melo Eugene Mar B. Sayoto Funding Source: Parents Cost: Php 11,000 Date Started: June 2006 Date Completed: February 2007 Objectives of the Study a. General The purpose of this study is to promote awareness of the feelings of fathers whose sons have Down syndrome. b. Specific 1. To be able to know the life experiences of fathers who have sons with Down syndrome. 2. For the society, to be able to understand that fathers must not be treated as the secondary figures when it comes to their children’s disability. 3. To serve as a guide and reference for future studies. Scope and Limitation This study dealt with the life experiences of fathers who have sons with Down syndrome. The focus of this research is mainly on the father’s demographic profile, his initial reaction upon knowing his son’s disability, the impact of the disability to the father-son relationship, and the prevailing emotions of fathers toward their sons. Other aspects related to the life experiences of fathers not mentioned in the study are not included. The number of their co-researchers is limited to seven (7) fathers. All of them are residing within the Cavite area only. The age of the coresearchers ranges from thirty-six to sixty-seven (36 – 67). The coresearchers are living with their respective sons with Down syndrome and they are most likely from the same socioeconomic bracket. Methodology The researchers used phenomenology in this research to examine individual experiences through a detailed description and analyzation of the life experiences of fathers who have sons with Down syndrome. Purposive sampling was used in selecting the respondents of this study. The researchers prepared an interview guide to facilitate their dialogue with the co-researchers and recorded it using an MP3 player. They also used the method of pakikipagkwentuhan in gathering information. To begin with, they asked their co-researchers to draw using a pencil and a bond paper, a picture of how they see themselves together with their sons with Down syndrome. This is not for the reason that the researchers will interpret them but to simply prepare them to relax and somewhat have a recollection of how their normal days go with their sons. After transcribing the interview with the fathers, the researchers wrote their narratives. They used it in drawing their thematic insights that brought them to their first level of reflection. The researchers revisited their co-researchers to conduct their intersubjective validation. After that, the researchers brought the narratives into the second level of reflection. Using the narratives and the thematic insights drawn from the first and second reflections, the researchers now constructed the eidetic insight. Lastly, the researchers met up with their seven co-researchers individually to validate their findings. Major Findings 1. The co-researchers’ initial reaction ranges from disbelief, denial, shock, depression and pity. These are but some of their initial responses when they learned that their sons have Down syndrome. 2. Due to their sons’ condition, the co-researchers became closer to them. They even admitted that they love their son with Down syndrome more compared to their normal children. 3. The fathers have a more positive disposition and outlook now compared to what they had felt when they first learned of their sons’ disability. They have come to accept their sons’ condition over time. Conclusion 1. Regardless of their religion, our co-researchers’ faith in God played a great role for their gradual acceptance of their sons’ condition. They believe that God has better plans for them. 2. Upon knowing that their sons have Down syndrome, all of the coresearchers experienced negative emotions such as shock, disbelief, depression, anger and denial in the beginning. Nonetheless, as time goes by they have come to accept their fate and that is to have a son with Down syndrome. 3. Although these fathers have accepted their sons’ condition, sadness still visits them once in a while. 4. The fathers shower their sons with profuse love and care. Since their sons need special care and more attention for they cannot think like normal individuals, they admitted that the love they have for their sons with Down syndrome is greater compared to their siblings. 13 5. Most of them would still wish to have a son who is normal. This is because they love their sons and they want them to live normal lives. 6. Generally speaking, the fathers have a more positive outlook now compared to what they had felt during the yesteryears. Their sons’ disability brought a renewed sense of responsibility to them. Recommendations 1. For the fathers of children with Down syndrome who are tasked by the Lord to take care of these children that they continue to share their stories to encourage and inspire those who are in the same situation. They may also attend seminars and/or join a group that caters to their sons’ needs. 2. For the parents, they must treat their children equally to prevent misconceptions. Sometimes the normal children get jealous or they feel neglected whenever the parents shows too much attention to a special child. 3. For the doctors and other professionals involved, they should be mindful and respectful with regards to parents’ feelings. They should be of support and must be sensitive when it comes to dealing with the parents of these children because having a son or a child with Down syndrome would not be easy to accept right away. 4. For the researchers who are interested to continue the study, they may want to add the reactions of the other members of the family such as the siblings’ or the mothers’. 5. They could also pursue a more extensive study for a more comprehensive outcome. They could incorporate a wide number of co-researchers since a limitation was made in the study and they could also consider other cases, since the study focused more on the impact of having a son with Down syndrome. And with this, the researchers suggest them to consider other co-researchers with a child with Down syndrome; it can be both the mother and the father, or their siblings. They could also extend the periphery of their setting. With this, it is expected that they will be able to have a more comprehensive investigation on the topic.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Additional Information:	PSY 845 2007
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Depositing User:	Users 4 not found.
Date Deposited:	26 Jan 2016 06:57
Last Modified:	09 Jun 2021 03:55
URI:	https://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/id/eprint/1213

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