Investigating Parents' Understanding of Parent Abuse: A Grounded Theory Study in Tehran

Abstract

Abstract Based on traditions of qualitative research and grounded theory, the present research tries to study the dimensions of parent abuse (children’s violence against their parents) which is often kept secret by parents. Results of previous research suggest that considering the causes, context of the formation and consequences of this violence as well as its prevalence, parent abuse should be considered a social problem. Based on in-depth interviews conducted with 40 parents in Tehran, the instances of violence against parents were classified in three categories: emotional, physical, and financial aspects which in turn led to reactions from parents toward themselves, towards the child or towards a third person. The causes of violence were grouped in micro, meso and macro levels which could have implications for individuals and their families. Parental strategies against this phenomenon were categorized in two active and passive strategies. At the end, findings were articulated in a concept model. Although this study can have certain theoretical contributions to the field of family violence which has been neglected earlier, due to the small sample size, the generalizability of the results is not possible. Keywords: Domestic Violence, Fatherhood, Motherhood, Generations, Violence Against Parents