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The Impact of Major Events on the Lives of Family Caregivers of Children with Disabilities
McDonald, Thomas P. Couchonnal, Graciela Early, Theresa
McDonald, Thomas P.
Couchonnal, Graciela
Early, Theresa
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Abstract
The authors examine the family caregiving experience among families with children with severe emotional
disabilities from a perspective that recognizes the importance of the family's views and feelings. This viewpoint anticipates
the occurrence of both positive and negative experiences and seeks to illuminate the caregiving process from the perspective
of outcomes achieved. Family caregivers of 164 children with serious emotional disorders were asked to identify
major pleasant and stressful events that had occurred in the past 12 months. The most frequently described pleasant
events related to children's behavior, school activities, and interactions with professionals and friends. Frequently described
problem areas included children's behavior, professionals/services, and difficulty with school. The impact of these
pleasant and stressful events was examined with respect to caregivers' perceived well-being: (I) overall stress, (2) the
ability to fulfill responsibilities, and (3) pleasure experienced in various life domains. Implications of the study findings
for supporting family caregivers in their roles are discussed.
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Copyright 1996 Families International, Inc.
Date
1996
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Alliance for Children and Families
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McDonald, T.P., Couchonal, G., & Early, T. (1996). The Impact of Major Events on the Lives of Family Caregivers of Children with Disabilities. Families in Society, 77(8), 502-514. http://dx.doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.960