Abstract:
The presence of a child with disabilities elicits a variety of stress demands on the family. Religion is recognized as a powerful personal, family, and cultural variable. However, little is known about the influence of religion in dealing with disability among families within particular religious groups. This descriptive study explored themes of spiritual belief and religious support among families of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS, or Mormon) with a child with developmental disabilities. Parents shared perspectives of meaning that emerged from experiences with religion and family beliefs perceived to be unique. The core theme, “This is a Spiritual Experience,” provides the foundation for a descriptive model that depicts aspects of finding meaning and perceived transcendence.
Author(s): Elaine Sorensen Marshall, Susanne Frost Olsen, Barbara L. Mandleco, Tina Taylor Dyches, Keith W. Allred & nancy Sansom
Journal: Qualitative Health Research
Date: 2003
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 57-76
DOI: 10.1177/1049732302239411
Databased: Yes
Disabilities: Developmental Disability
Categories: Families