title: The role of the family in psychosocial adaptation to physical disabilities for African Americans.
abstract: The psychosocial adjustment of patients who are experiencing physical disabilities is examined within the context of a family ecological approach. Historical and sociocultural characteristics of African-American families are delineated and explored in terms of their potentially positive impact on the adjustment process. Four family strengths are delineated: strong kinship bonds, strong religious orientation, family role flexibility, and strong education/work ethic. The authors demonstrate how these various assets interact reciprocally in the family lives of those individuals who are disabled. Contrary to the predominant deficit theories, a fresh asset-oriented approach is provided. A model of the family adjustment process of African-American clients with disabilities is presented, and some of the important strengths of the African-American family system are examined. Finally, a family strengths model is applied to the therapeutic process.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Studies, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40506-0054.
authors.forename: W L
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Turner
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Alston
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D012067:Religion; D012944:Social Support