Nurses’ Perspective on Adolescent Parenting: From Overprotection to Neglect
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5294/aqui.2026.26.3.9Keywords:
Adolescent, parent-child relations, nursing, primary health care, family relationsAbstract
Introduction: Adolescence is characterized by intense biopsychosocial changes, in which the balance between a sense of belonging and autonomy is essential. Parenting practices, which range from overprotection to neglect, can directly influence adolescents’ mental health and emotional development. Objective: To understand the perspectives of nurses on adolescent parenting. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study with a qualitative approach, grounded in Jean Watson’s Transpersonal Human Care Theory, conducted in two municipalities in southern Minas Gerais, Brazil. Twenty-six primary care nurses participated in the study. Data were collected through on-site focus groups, including a pilot test, with a mean duration of 60 to 90 minutes. The transcripts were analyzed using Bardin’s content analysis method, with data categorization and interpretation in light of the Theory of Transpersonal Human Care. Discussion: Nurses identified adolescents who were often unprepared to face daily challenges, in contexts of inadequate or absent parental care. An analysis based on Watson’s Theory highlighted the importance of empathetic care, active listening, and the establishment of emotional bonds, which are essential for strengthening parenting and reducing emotional vulnerabilities. Conclusions: The study underscores that understanding the nursing perspective on adolescent parenting contributes to humanized practices, holistic health promotion, autonomy, and healthy family bonds.
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