PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the meaning and essence of experiences of stress in mothers of preschoolers with atopic dermatitis. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative research design. Seven mothers of preschoolers with atopic dermatitis were interviewed and the data were analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological method. RESULTS: Five main themes and 12 theme clusters emerged. The 5 main themes were 1) the mother's enduring heartache from the conflict that arise among family members, 2) the complete loss of daily happiness, 3) the steady stream of emotional fluctuations, 4) struggling to bear the heavy financial burden, and, 5) a life of hope accompanied by stress. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide an in-depth understanding of stress among mothers of preschoolers with atopic dermatitis. These results can be used in the development of nursing interventions to provide psychological and emotional support for mothers and family members.
Child, Preschool ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humans ; Methods ; Mothers* ; Nursing ; Qualitative Research ; Rivers ; Stress, Psychological