Theoretical Underpinnings
JOURNAL
ON
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, VOLUME 11 NUMBER 1
A Model of Stress in Families of Children with
Developmental Disabilities:
Clinical and Research Applications
Adrienne Perry
Department of Psychology, York University, Downsview, ON, and
TRE-ADD Program, Thistletown Regional Centre, Etobicoke, ON
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical model for understanding stress and related issues in families of children with developmental disabilities (DD). It first describes the theoretical underpinnings in the literature on stress and coping in individuals and on family stress. The proposed model includes Stressors (Child Characteristics and
Other Life Stressors), Resources (Individual 's Personal
Resources and Family …show more content…
Each of these is a large body of work with its own theories and methodologies. Perry (1989) reviewed them in some detail, as they pertained to the development of the proposed model. It goes well beyond the scope of the present paper to do so here, but key highlights are noted throughout.
In the present paper, different understandings of stress will be reviewed first; then the model itself will be described. Second, research and clinical implications pertinent to each domain of the model will then be discussed.
Third, strengths and weaknesses of the model will be suggested and it will be contrasted to other available models. Finally, several applications of the model in empirical research will be presented as illustrations.
Conceptualization of Stress
Four different conceptualizations or definitions of stress can be distinguished, each with its own body of literature, and each has been applied to families of children with DD. First, in one of the earliest theories
(Selye, 1980), stress is understood as the physiological and …show more content…
We need to value and respect certain religious and/or philosophical beliefs that we may not share. We have to be careful about whether, when, and how we address parents ' denial and
"irrational" beliefs (e.g., that the child will be cured), since these may be necessary coping or defence mechanisms, and/or they may generate considerable energy to work with the child. The other major clinical implication to be drawn from this section is that professionals ' dealings with parents should be conducted, as far as possible, in such a way as to enhance parents ' self-esteem and sense of control over their situation. This proviso could affect the way we present diagnostic information to parents, explain assessment results, demonstrate treatment techniques, and so on. Again, coping abilities and internal resources may be appropriate targets of individual or family intervention in some situations.
Family System Resources
Family System Resources are comprised of variables that tap family functioning, marital satisfaction, and demographic variables (such as SES and marital status). The family stress literature and the theoretical models
8
ON
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, VOLUME 11 NUMBER 1
A Model of Stress in Families of Children with
Developmental Disabilities:
Clinical and Research Applications
Adrienne Perry
Department of Psychology, York University, Downsview, ON, and
TRE-ADD Program, Thistletown Regional Centre, Etobicoke, ON
Abstract
This paper presents a theoretical model for understanding stress and related issues in families of children with developmental disabilities (DD). It first describes the theoretical underpinnings in the literature on stress and coping in individuals and on family stress. The proposed model includes Stressors (Child Characteristics and
Other Life Stressors), Resources (Individual 's Personal
Resources and Family …show more content…
Each of these is a large body of work with its own theories and methodologies. Perry (1989) reviewed them in some detail, as they pertained to the development of the proposed model. It goes well beyond the scope of the present paper to do so here, but key highlights are noted throughout.
In the present paper, different understandings of stress will be reviewed first; then the model itself will be described. Second, research and clinical implications pertinent to each domain of the model will then be discussed.
Third, strengths and weaknesses of the model will be suggested and it will be contrasted to other available models. Finally, several applications of the model in empirical research will be presented as illustrations.
Conceptualization of Stress
Four different conceptualizations or definitions of stress can be distinguished, each with its own body of literature, and each has been applied to families of children with DD. First, in one of the earliest theories
(Selye, 1980), stress is understood as the physiological and …show more content…
We need to value and respect certain religious and/or philosophical beliefs that we may not share. We have to be careful about whether, when, and how we address parents ' denial and
"irrational" beliefs (e.g., that the child will be cured), since these may be necessary coping or defence mechanisms, and/or they may generate considerable energy to work with the child. The other major clinical implication to be drawn from this section is that professionals ' dealings with parents should be conducted, as far as possible, in such a way as to enhance parents ' self-esteem and sense of control over their situation. This proviso could affect the way we present diagnostic information to parents, explain assessment results, demonstrate treatment techniques, and so on. Again, coping abilities and internal resources may be appropriate targets of individual or family intervention in some situations.
Family System Resources
Family System Resources are comprised of variables that tap family functioning, marital satisfaction, and demographic variables (such as SES and marital status). The family stress literature and the theoretical models
8