Counseling and psychotherapy culture

From Erosion to Growth: Developing a Conceptual Understanding of Iranian Family Caregivers’ Experiences of Older Adults Through Thematic Analysis

Articles in Press

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Nahid Ghanbarzadeh Alamdari 1
Mahdi Zare Bahramabadi 2
Khadijeh Abolmaali Al‑Hosseini 3

1 Department Of Family and Counseling, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Counseling, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of Educational Psychology, NT.C, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22054/qccpc.2026.94944.3723
Abstract
Abstract
The present study aimed to develop a conceptual understanding of the multifaceted experiences of family caregivers of the elderly. The aim was not simply to extract independent themes and identify the challenges, needs, and capabilities of family caregivers of the elderly, but rather to identify an interpretive conceptual model and explain the experience of the caregivers. In this study, to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of the experiences, attitudes, needs, barriers to care continuity, and factors facilitating family care for the elderly, a qualitative method was used and data analysis was performed using thematic analysis based on Brown and Clark's six-step model. Data collection was achieved through semi-structured interviews with 10 family caregivers of the elderly to theoretical saturation. In this study, 72 basic themes, 21 organizing themes, and 5 overarching themes were extracted manually and with the help of Excel software from 468 items. Overarching themes included; multidimensional flow analysis of the caregiver, relational dynamics of care, coping strategies, resilience and continuity of care, and the gift of care. This research can help family caregivers better understand their needs, challenges, and capabilities to facilitate timely diagnosis and appropriate action for self-care. This study can be a platform for research in the field of educational needs assessment and development of special educational packages and courses for family caregivers of the elderly.

Keywords

family caregivers
lived experience
quality of life
caregiver burden
caregiving challenges
Subjects
Counseling and psychotherapy culture

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 November 2026

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