دانلود رایگان مقاله انگلیسی خانواده های دارای اعضای معلول: تاثیر و تربیت خانوادگی - الزویر 2017

Abstract

This article debates whether the quality of life of the families is depleted or improved due to the presence of a member with a disability. A theoretical review is carried out of the impact on the family caused by the birth of a child with a disability, the detrimental effects of the disability and the positive effects of the empowerment offered by the family intervention programs. When the family includes a member with a disability, time and effort must be dedicated to them as they normally have greater requirements for care. The repercussion of this is putting the needs of the parents and siblings to one side, creating a specific profile for these families. They show issues such as imbalance in the family system, unawareness of aspects of health and education, negative feelings, need for adaptation, etc., for which they require support programs. With the family intervention, they are able to improve their awareness of problems, acquire efficient education strategies, initiate new friendships, improve conflict resolution, etc. In consequence, rather than focusing on the disadvantages, these families can achieve a series of highly developed skills such as communication, self-esteem, sense of humour, resilience. It is the own potential of these families that must be strengthened, not only to improve the quality of family life, but also for the benefits to extend to the community.

4. Conclusions

The presence of a child with a disability alters the quality of family life, as it requires greater adaptation to the needs of all of the members. Said needs, marked by the illness and an atypical development, have a more exclusive character for these families as they are based on a lack of knowledge that must be resolved. They must seek information about each of the differential characteristics of their child and the risks involved. This "extra" and "unknown" work generates a weariness that may alter the quality of family life, as it requires greater dedication of time to the child with problems, and may lead to lack of care for other members. This logical consequence can be remedied if support and education is offered to these families.

With regards to the advantages, considered as the highlights of this paper, it must be recognised that these families generate superior skills of detecting needs and risks, seeking resources, adaptability and flexibility, attention to diversity, empathy and patience. In summary, it is an improvement in the quality of attention for the disabled child, that may be extended to other children or family members and society. Therefore it would be true that there is "strengthening" or "empowerment", as alluded to by the new trends in family intervention. It is the own potential of this type of family that must be strengthened, not only to improve the quality of family life, but also for benefits for the entire collective.