Children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) experience many physical and emotional challenges. They will struggle with the emotional consequences of their disease, as well as their impending death, throughout their short lives. Additionally, their parents, especially their mothers, experience emotional turmoil. Little is known about children with DMD or how well mothers can understand their emotions. This study explored themes associated with the emotional experiences of boys with DMD. The study also examined these themes from the mothers' perspectives of their emotional experience.

Eight boys with DMD between the ages of 8 and 12 years participated and used art expression to draw pictures that reflected their emotions through storytelling. Eight mothers of the boys with DMD also participated, describing their sons' and their own emotions. The constant comparison method was used, and the emerging themes guided data collection. Aggregated frequencies of labeled emotions were documented. Three major categories emerged that encompassed emotional themes. Formal analysis and theory development occurred when the data collection was near completion. Specifically, both verbal and visual information reported by each of the participants was documented and analyzed by two doctoral-level raters. This constant comparison qualitative research included triangulated research methods of analyzing the data.

The researcher designed therapeutic interventions specifically to meet the needs of boys with DMD and their mothers. A model is presented that shows the setting and effective counseling attributes required when utilizing drawing and storytelling as expressive therapeutic techniques. In particular, this study demonstrates the need for specialized counseling skills when working with children.