566 Representation and Consequences of Guilt in Parents of Young Children with Unintentional Burns

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The incidence of unintentional burn injuries provides a natural condition that induces guilt and other emotions, such as blame, in the parents of the inflicted child. Empirical evidence generated has suggested that the consequences of guilt include both prosocial behaviors and antisocial behaviors. Therefore, the effects of guilt on parental behavioral and emotional outcomes have long-term implication. The purposes of this study were to examine guilt and its representation in parental responses to a child’s burn, and to look for the immediate consequences that guilt for parents. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 parents or caregivers in the hospital during their child’s clinical visit in a regional burn center in eastern China. We used a combination of deductive and inductive content analysis to analyze the interview data. Results Parents expressed feelings of guilt using both the word “guilt” or sentences that conveyed the manifest meaning, which reflected the definition of guilt. Analysis of the data produced three conceptual domains of the consequence of guilt. Reappraisal of guilt toward the self included eight categories: regret, blaming myself, thinking about why, not wanting to talk, wanting to be punished, blaming others, having trouble sleeping and feeling irresponsible. Motivational reactions toward the child were sorted into four categories: paying more attention to prevent injuries, feeling sorry for the child, providing the best care, and placating the child. Other reported accompanying emotions included upset, anger and heartache. Conclusions Guilt and its consequences are correlated but have distinct semantic representation. However, guilt and its related emotions were often expressed within one parent’s account of his or her emotional experience. Blaming has been a significant reaction among parents and family caregivers, including self-blaming and blaming others. The results of this study suggest that guilt appears to promote both prosocial and antisocial emotions and behaviors in parents. Applicability of Research to Practice This paper’s findings help to extend our theoretical understanding of the guilt and its effects on the development and persistence of emotional distress in parents facing their child’s unintentional burn injury. What’s more, these results have practical implications for professionals caring for parents or family caregivers who are in greater need of professional mental health support and interventions, given the long-term recovery period in children with moderate to severe burn injury and the meaning and visibility associated with the burn scars. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of guilt in the development and persistence of emotional distress in parents facing their child’s unintentional burn injury.