Date
3-10-2026
Department
School of Behavioral Sciences
Degree
Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)
Chair
Todd Schultz
Keywords
African American, Male, Sons, Caregivers, Stress, Coping
Disciplines
Counseling
Recommended Citation
German, Donald Eric, "A Phenomenological Study Exploring How African American Adult Sons Describe Caring for a Parent with Dementia" (2026). Doctoral Dissertations and Projects. 8022.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/doctoral/8022
Abstract
The purpose of this phenomenological study was to understand the coping strategies of African American adult sons who are the primary caregivers to a parent with dementia. The participants were only African American adult sons who are the primary caregivers to an aging parent. This researcher conducted semi-structured interviews and followed a systematical data collection process during the interview process; close attention was paid to analyzing and uncovering significant themes that emerged from the participants’ experiences. The findings show that African American adult sons feel a strong sense of duty that grows from obligation into a Christ-centered commitment to honor their parents. This commitment is based on biblical principles of stewardship and family care. Many take on a reversed parental role, helping their parents through cognitive decline and showing the servant-leadership described in Scripture. Participants say they feel both gratitude and grief during their caregiving journey. Still, their faith-based resilience helps them stay steady. Over time, they develop a deeper emotional bond and make sacrifices. Their caregiving identity is shaped by love, compassion, and the Christian belief that caring for family is both a ministry and an act of obedience to God. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding African American adult sons as caregivers to their parents with dementia. The findings from this study can empower health professionals to develop culturally sensitive strategies and resources, ensuring that African American adult son caregivers are included in the caregiving process and that healthcare providers are better equipped to meet their diverse needs—services, and interventions to foster healthier interpersonal care between parents and adult children caregivers.
