Family quality of life in several countries: Results and discussion of satisfaction in families where there is a child with a disability

Roy I. Brown, Keumja Hong, Joanne Shearer, Mian Wang, Shin Yi Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter examines quality of life satisfaction across life domains in several sources using the same survey instrument. The research is described in developmental sequence and illustrates how different variables and factors play an important role in our understanding of family quality of life where there is a child with an intellectual or development disability. These results illustrate the importance of taking a wide range of variables into account and the effects that they may have both on the child with a disability and on other family members. These include family age, form of disability, and place of origin, along with the types of support that are required. The relevance of comparing families with and without a child with a disability is also considered. The results suggest that both internal aspects of family life, including the nature of a child’s disability, and external factors, such as community and the types of support available for the family, are highly relevant. The data stress family variability and therefore raise questions concerning the flexibility of support and intervention. The discussion suggests the types of support that are needed and indicates ways in which policy may be redirected to support more optimal family quality of life along with their impact for each member of the family, including the child with a disability. The results, from a research perspective, indicate ways in which measurement and comparison between groups need to be improved in terms of hypotheses, questions, and research methodology. However there are sufficient data, both of a quantitative and a qualitative nature, to suggest how changes might be made to improve policy and practice for supporting families, and at the same time positively influencing the adaptation of the child with a disability.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnhancing the Quality of Life of People with Intellectual Disabilities
Subtitle of host publicationFrom theory to practice
EditorsRalph Kober
Place of PublicationNew York
PublisherSpringer Netherlands
Chapter20
Pages377-398
Number of pages22
Volume41
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9789048196500
ISBN (Print) 9786612995736
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

NameSocial Indicators Research Series
Volume41
ISSN (Print)1387-6570
ISSN (Electronic)2215-0099

Keywords

  • Cross- country data
  • Developmental disability
  • Family quality of life
  • Intellectual disability
  • Lifespan issues
  • Survey measurement

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