Resilience in Families Living with a Child with a Physical Disability

Purpose

The aim of this cross-sectional exploratory study was to identify qualities associated with resilience in families with a child with a physical disability.

Methods

Questionnaires (The Family Hardiness Index, The Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, The Relative and Friend Support Index, The Social Support Index, The Family Sense of Coherence Scale) and an open-ended question were used to collect data independently from parents and children belonging to 68 families.

Results

The following resources and qualities were identified by both the parents and the children: family hardiness, evaluation of a stressful situation as a challenge, positive redefinition of a stressful situation, the educational level of the parent, and the experience of social support.

Discussion

Help providers need to ensure that families are provided with information regarding qualities that can be developed, while families should be aware of formal and informal support networks that may assist them in their adaptation process.

Conclusion

There are a number of qualities that came up as important to both the parents and children and family workers can help the family to identify an area of commonality to work on between the parents and children.