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Volume 18, Issue 3 (September-2026 2026)
Iranian Journal of Blood and Cancer 2026, 18(3): 29-46 |
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Salimi A, Eshghi A, Niknam M, Firoozy M, Maleki F, Habibpanah B et al . Biopsychosocial Challenges of Fathers with a Child with Severe Hemophilia in Iranian Culture: a Qualitative Phenomenological Study. , Iranian Journal of Blood and Cancer. 2026; 18 (3) :29-46
URL: http://ijbc.ir/article-1-1892-en.html
URL: http://ijbc.ir/article-1-1892-en.html
Ali Salimi1 
, Ali Eshghi *2 , Mohammad Niknam3 , Manijeh Firoozy3 , Fatemeh Maleki3 , Behnaz Habibpanah4 , Peyman Eshghi4
, Ali Eshghi *2 , Mohammad Niknam3 , Manijeh Firoozy3 , Fatemeh Maleki3 , Behnaz Habibpanah4 , Peyman Eshghi4
1- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. & Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. ,ali.eshghi@ut.ac.ir
3- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
4- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. ,
3- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
4- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Children's Health, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (20 Views)
Introduction: Hemophilia can impose various biopsychosocial challenges on fathers with affected children. Identifying their experiences can lead to a broader understanding of social norms and challenge expectations regarding gender roles in caregiving. Increasing awareness of the biopsychosocial challenges and their coping strategies can improve support for their needs, foster a more supportive community, and reduce social labeling and isolation. The study aimed to identify the biopsychosocial challenges faced by Iranian fathers who have a child with severe hemophilia.
Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted using Van Manen's six-step framework and involved purposive sampling of 12 participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted by male psychologists. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines to enhance the reliability of the findings.
Results: A total of 557 codes were extracted, comprising 7 themes and 28 subthemes. The most frequently reported findings concerned “challenges in parenting, especially feelings of helplessness in this role,” “difficulties with emotion regulation, particularly the emotional mirroring performed by parents,” “cultural stereotypes, especially the depersonalization and stigma associated with fathers expressing emotion,” and “the challenge of breaking bad news, focusing on the relationship between healthcare staff and patients, along with the accompanying invalidation of emotions.”
Discussion: Parenting is an area in which fathers often feel neglected and believe their opinions go unheard. In Iran, the distinction between adherence and compliance presents cultural ambiguities that can challenge the medical relationship. Fathers' intense emotional mirroring of their children's distress may lead to overprotection and anxiety. Breaking bad news is a key challenge for healthcare staff, indicating a need for further training. Effective, empathetic communication may reduce fathers' sense of loneliness and emotional invalidation. Cultural stereotypes and the suppression of fathers' emotions negatively affect their interactions, underscoring the importance of recognizing their emotions and needs.
Methods: This phenomenological study was conducted using Van Manen's six-step framework and involved purposive sampling of 12 participants. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews conducted by male psychologists. The study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines to enhance the reliability of the findings.
Results: A total of 557 codes were extracted, comprising 7 themes and 28 subthemes. The most frequently reported findings concerned “challenges in parenting, especially feelings of helplessness in this role,” “difficulties with emotion regulation, particularly the emotional mirroring performed by parents,” “cultural stereotypes, especially the depersonalization and stigma associated with fathers expressing emotion,” and “the challenge of breaking bad news, focusing on the relationship between healthcare staff and patients, along with the accompanying invalidation of emotions.”
Discussion: Parenting is an area in which fathers often feel neglected and believe their opinions go unheard. In Iran, the distinction between adherence and compliance presents cultural ambiguities that can challenge the medical relationship. Fathers' intense emotional mirroring of their children's distress may lead to overprotection and anxiety. Breaking bad news is a key challenge for healthcare staff, indicating a need for further training. Effective, empathetic communication may reduce fathers' sense of loneliness and emotional invalidation. Cultural stereotypes and the suppression of fathers' emotions negatively affect their interactions, underscoring the importance of recognizing their emotions and needs.
Keywords: Hemophilia, Emotional invalidation, Biopsychosocial challenges, Fatherhood, Phenomenological study, Cultural background
: Original Article |
Subject:
Pediatric Hematology & Oncology
Received: 2026/07/16 | Accepted: 2026/09/1 | Published: 2026/09/30
Received: 2026/07/16 | Accepted: 2026/09/1 | Published: 2026/09/30
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