title: The benefits of mutual support groups for parents of children with disabilities.
abstract: This study examined what parents of children with disabilities and special needs found helpful about belonging to mutual support groups. Quantitative data (based on 56 parents from 6 groups) indicated that members found the groups very helpful and were very satisfied with the support they received from their groups; they also described the groups as high in cohesion, expressiveness, task orientation, and self-discovery. A grounded theory analysis of focus group data (based on 43 parents from 5 of the groups) indicated that such support was helpful in three broad domains: (1) the sociopolitical, which involved developing a sense of control and agency in the outside world; (2) the interpersonal, which involved a sense of belonging to a community; and (3) the intraindividual, which involved self change. A central theme of identity change emerged as superordinate to these three categories.
authors: Haringey Healthcare NHS Trust, London, England.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Solomon
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Pistrang
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Barker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012944:Social Support