Occupational Therapy Program Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Therapy

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

First Advisor

Elise Bloch

Date of original Performance / Presentation

January 2025

Publication Date / Copyright Date

1-1-2025

Abstract

Occupational therapists recognize the role of caregivers in the therapeutic process as valuable and integral for not only the child, but for the individual caregiver as well. Fathers are a unique population who recognize involvement with their children as a key component of their occupational being. This current study utilized an explanatory sequential mixed methods design to examine a father’s perceived level of involvement with their child who exhibits the ADHD behavioral characteristics of hyperactive/impulsiveness and inattentiveness, ages five to 10. The quantitative phase utilized the Inventory of Father Involvement and the ADHD Rating Scale–5, along with demographic information, to gather data that reflect their perceived involvement and ADHD symptomology in their child. In the second qualitative phase, four interviews were conducted with fathers of children with and without elevated ADHD behavioral characteristics to gain rich, descriptive information about the role of fathering to help elaborate on the data received from the quantitative phase. The two phases were combined and analyzed. It was apparent that these fathers valued involvement with their children. The results determined that children with elevated inattentive behavioral characteristics negatively impact a father’s perceived level of involvement in the areas of developing talents and future concerns, reading and homework support, and school encouragement. The interviews elaborated on the contributing factors of a father’s perceived involvement, which were help from the mother to raise the child, outside physical play with their child, jobs as enablers and barriers to involvement, and preparing their child for future experiences in the world. This current study provides information for occupational therapists when working with fathers to support their role and facilitate meaningful engagement on an individual basis and for the family unit as a whole. Keywords: occupational therapy, ADHD, father, mixed methods, involvement

Disciplines

Occupational Therapy

Keywords

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Father Involvement; Mixed Methods; Occupational therapy

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