The stigma perceived by parents of intellectual disability children: an interpretative phenomenological analysis study

Objective: The aim of this is to put forth perceptions of the stigma that parents of intellectual disabled individuals fell and the parents' experiences associated with the stigma. Methods: This research, which is made as qualitative research is carried out with 19 parents in Balikesir between the dates April 2015-August 2016.A questionnaire and a semi structured interview form for parents and their disabled children have been used to collect the data. The interviews were held in rehabilitation centers. Face-to-face interviews that are realized via using the technique of in-depth interviews have been recorded on audio tape recorder. The audio recordings that were obtained from the interviews were transcribed and data were coded according to the themes and put into report form by interpreting. Results: As a result of the study, it was detected that parents who have intellectual disabled individuals do not receive sufficient support from family members, circle of friends and the society and feel stigmatized. Conclusions: It is considered as necessary to give psychological counseling and guidance to these parents who have the handi-capped individuals and to educate and raise awareness of the society about the issue. [Anadolu Psikiyatri Derg 2018; 19(4.000): 390-396]