Abstract:

Despite the high prevalence of disability among African Americans, we know little of the day-to-day lived experiences of African American adults with disabilities, many of whom reside with and receive care from their older parents. Historically, African Americans have relied on their personal spirituality and their traditional religious institutions as a source of support in coping with challenging life events. A qualitative analysis of interview data with older African American caregiving parents of adults with disabilities supports previous research on the centrality of religious faith in African American family life and suggests that, for this caregiving population, personal spirituality is a more effective coping strategy than reliance on church support.

Author(s): Sharon V. King

Journal: Religion, Disability & Health

Date: 2001

Volume: 4

Issue: 4

Pages: 7-24

DOI: 10.1300/J095v04n04_02

Databased: Yes

Disabilities: General

Categories: Families