Indicativos de resiliência familiar em famílias de crianças com síndrome de Down

Abstract

This study aims to characterize and analyze family resilience in families of children with Down syndrome. Five families consisting of father, mother, and children, one child with Down syndrome, participated in this research. The instruments used were: the Characterization of Family System Questionnaire, which was answered by the mother; the Coping Strategies Inventory, which was responded by both parents separately; and interviews conducted with parents and typically developing children. The families were visited three times. Results indicate that in the face of bad events, mainly health problems related to Down syndrome, the families showed ability to make meaning or sense of adversity, and to organize themselves in a cooperative way with dialogue and closer ties. Family resilience was observed in all families investigated. The most frequently used coping strategy was positive reappraisal, while the less frequently used was escape-avoidance.