Gaining control: parents' experiences of accommodating children's asthma

A qualitative study examined parents' experiences of coming to terms with and becoming effective managers of their children's asthma. Grounded theory technique (Strauss & Corbin, 1991) was used to examine the parents' stories. Through this technique, in-depth interviews were conducted with 39 parents and these participants unraveled the process of accommodating their children's severe asthma. The basic social process was one of gaining control. Participants experienced three phases: being out of control, which meant seeking help, "running around," and trying to make sense of the situation; being involved, which meant searching out, trying out new ways and means, and making changes; and being in control, which they described as being able to take charge, make alliances, and become competent in coping with their child's illness. Participants' experiences provide testimony to interventions that nurses can use to help parents through the process of successful asthma management.