Explaining the concepts of family vigilance theory in the context of anticipatory grief in mothers of children with life-threatening illnesse: A directed qualitative content analysis

Abstract

Background: Mothers of chronically ill children encounter distinct challenges throughout their child's illness journey.

Purpose: To identify predictive behaviors of anticipatory grief based on participants' perceptions within the cultural context of Iranian society.

Design & method: This qualitative study, part of a larger sequential exploratory project, used a directed content analysis based on Family Vigilance Theory (FVT) to conduct semi-structured interviews with 19 mothers of children with life-threatening illnesses in Shiraz and Tehran, Iran from August to September 2021. Data collection continued until saturation was reached. Data analysis, conducted using MAXQDA, followed the process outlined by Elo and Kyngas: preparation, organizing, and reporting.

Results: The thematic analysis revealed five main categories related to the pre-determined components: emotional upheaval, commitment to care, resilience, dynamic nexus, and transition.

Conclusion: The Family Vigilance Theory explores the meaning, patterns, and daily rhythms of parental caring behaviors for sick children. It provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of caregiving. Given the multifaceted nature of anticipatory grief-shaped by cultural habits and beliefs-the Family Vigilance Theory serves as a comprehensive lens for understanding, explaining, interpreting, and potentially predicting this phenomenon.

Keywords: Anticipatory grief; Child with life-threatening illness; Family vigilance theory; Mother.