Graduate Program
Family and Consumer Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2013
Thesis Director
Michelle Sherwood
Thesis Committee Member
Lisa Moyer
Thesis Committee Member
Frances Murphy
Abstract
Although caring for a child or children with special needs is a demanding task, families continue to strive to meet their needs while in that unique situation. The purpose of the study was to identify the intervention services and other resources available to families caring for children with special needs, determine whether the resources pertain to the specific needs of those caring for a child or children with special needs, and also to ascertain the extent to which resources influence coping strategies for these families.
Sixteen primary caregivers of a child with special needs participated in the study by filling out a questionnaire developed by the researcher. A descriptive content analysis, constant comparison and hermeneutics were used to analyze the data. The study found that access to intervention services and other resources is dependent on knowledge of where to find resources, the availability of professionals that will provide direction, the ability to search for what is needed and overall eligibility. In determining if families caring for a child or children with special needs have access to the intervention services and other resources that pertain to their specific situation, results indicated that families in this population do have access to general needs for the child, however the severity of the child's need and family dynamics may influence the access they have to specific resources they need.
The last objective, to ascertain the extent to which the intervention services and access to other resources influence family coping strategies, indicated that the family's acceptance and attitude towards care of the child influenced coping. In addition the families that used intervention services and resources that met their needs and showed progress with the child indicated that they were able to cope with stress in a better way.
Recommended Citation
Ofosu, Antonia N., "Coping strategies used by families caring for a child or children with special needs: Available intervention services and access to other resources" (2013). Masters Theses. 1170.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/1170
