Family Adaptation, Coping and Resources: Parents Of Children With Developmental Disabilities and Behaviour Problems

The present study used a Double-ABCX model to explore parental stress in 48 British families with children with developmental disabilities and behaviour problems in relation to certain child characteristics, resources, parents' perceptions and coping styles. Results indicated that the strongest predictors of parental stress were family coping style and parental internal locus of control. Parents who believed their lives were not controlled by their child with a disability and who coped by focussing on family integration, co-operation, and were optimistic tended to show lower overall stress. This study also examined parents' qualitative responses to questions concerning the stress they experience in dealing with friends, family, and doctors or other professionals. The emerging themes and clinical implications of these findings, methodological issues, and suggestions for future research are discussed. When a child is born with a disability, the unexpected and permanent nature of such an event generally increases a parent's vulnerability to stressors. There is considerable evidence to suggest that parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD) experience greater stress than parents of children without DD (Hastings, 2002; Konstantareas, 1991; Scorgie, Wilgosh & McDonald, 1998). Historically, research has assumed that outcomes for parents of children with DD who may experience additional stressors such as unmet service needs and financial problems would inevitably lead to pathology and maladaptation (Byrne & Cunningham, 1985, Dykens, 2000). However, recent research has shown that although some families are at risk for having numerous difficulties many families positively cope and adapt to this stress (Konstantareas, 1991; Scorgie et al., 1998). The vast amount of research has shown that family outcomes can vary from healthy adaptation to maladaptation as a result of changing family responses over time (Donovan, 1988). Current literature has therefore moved away from the single cause and effect relationship between parental stress and pathology and has emphasized the successful adaptation and normality of families. One model that has been used to understand parental stress is the ABC-X model (Hill, 1958). McCubbin (1979) recognized the need to expand the original model to assess post-crisis behaviour, and include coping strategies, external resources and the accumulation of various life stressors. Thus, McCubbin and Patterson (1983) developed the Double ABC-X model of stress and coping. In this model, a parent's ability to cope with a stressful situation is determined by the interaction of the stressor event and subsequent life stressors, family resources, parental perceptions and coping strategies. The outcome of this interaction is the level of family adaptation ranging from severe stress or crisis to successful adaptation. Several studies have used this model to examine the parental stress of having a child with DD (Bristol, 1987; Konstantareas, 1991; Minnes 1988a). Multiple studies have found the nature and severity of a child's disability to be significantly related to parental stress, as well as a child's temperament, behaviour problems and demands placed upon the parent (Cunningham, Bremner & Secord-Gilbert, 1992; Kazak & Marvin, 1984; Minnes, 1988a). Variations in family environments have also been associated with successful family adaptation, and support networks beyond the immediate family have been identified as important mediators in parental stress (Barakat & Linney, 1992; Henggeler, Watson & Whelan, 1990; Park, Turnbull & Rutherford, 2002; Rimmerman, 1991). Families have been reported as one of the most frequent sources of support for parents (Scorgie et al., 1998). However, results have been inconclusive regarding the effects of professional support on parental stress. While some research has shown the benefit of professional intervention and services, negative effects and stressors experienced by parents in dealing with professionals have also been reported (Minnes & Nachshen, 1997; Todis & Singer, 1991). In addition, parental perceptions or cognitive appraisals of the child's disability have been found to mediate such stress, although results have been contradictory (Grant & Whittell, 2000; Miller, Gordon & Daniele, 1992). Whether having a child with disabilities leads to stress or adaptation will JONES AND PASSEY 32 FAMILY ADAPTATION, COPING, AND RESOURCES 33 depend upon the explanations made by the family, their understanding of why events occur and what existing coping strategies they may use to alleviate stress. Parental locus of control has also been recognized as an important component in influencing parental stress. Researchers have found that a family's perception of having internal control over outcomes is related to reduced stress and greater positive adjustment in families of children with DD (Dyson, 1991; Hastings & Brown, 2002; Miller, et al. 1992; Rimmerman, 1991). The purpose of the present study was to explore the relative impact of the level of coping resources, strategies, and perceptions on the stress experienced by parents of children with DD and behaviour problems. The Double ABC-X model of family stress and coping was used as a framework. This investigation expands previous research by using a clinical subsample of children with DD. This study also provides an in-depth and individualized understanding of family resources and supports related to family adaptation through the use of a qualitative interview. It is hoped the results of the research will help professionals to understand the interaction of variables related to family adaptation, the nature of the stressors experienced, and the successful coping strategies used by families of children with DD.