Mothers' experiences in living with a child with encopresis: a phenomenological study

Abstract

A phenomenological method of inquiry was used to explore the lived experience of mothers with a child with encopresis. Van Manen's Hermeneutic Phenomenology was used during data collection and analysis. Eight mothers participated in two or three audiotaped unstructured interviews. Throughout the interview process, participants were encouraged to speak freely and openly about their lived experience with a child who had encopresis. -- Thematic statements formulated from the analysis of the narratives were identified: dealing with uncertainty, becoming frustrated with care giving, struggling to endure, and taking control. The interrelationship between these themes allowed the essence of the phenomenon to be captured as rising to the challenge. -- There is a need for health care providers to reevaluate current approaches to assist parents in the effective management of children with encopresis. It is essential that parents be included in the management plan and their struggle recognized. The challenge to health care providers is to assist parents in increasing their resources and coping behaviors for managing the daily challenges and frustrations encopresis places on them. Community supports are also needed to assist them to develop diverse strengths and resources required to meet the needs of their children. Nursing has the resources to assist these mothers to help their children gain control over their elimination disorder.