CYBERSPACE PEER SUPPORT / DEVELOPMENT PLATFORM FOR PARENTS WITH DISABLED CHILDREN: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to explain the experiences of parents of peer support in cyberspace.This is a qualitative conventional content analysis study. This study was performed on 17 people (11 females and 6 males) of parents with disabled children. Data analysis leads to the emergence of 13 subthemes and 4 main themes, interactive network (group formation, intimate interaction), comprehensive support (peer education, emotional, service delivery), spirituality propagation (companionship in religious rites, consolation in the God's attention, peers as good listeners (inspiration), growth and progress (familiarity with peer problems, acceptance of disability, endurance promotion, problem-solving).Cyberspace created an opportunity for parents to use the experiences and support of peers with help theme accept their child's disability.