Journal on Developmental Disabilities
Le journal sur les handicaps du développement

Abstract

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.

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