Famílias com filho com síndrome de Down: investigando a resiliência familiar

Abstract

Down‟s syndrome (DS) in children and adolescents represents major challenges for families as the impact of the diagnosis has implications in the family system, affecting all members and their relationships. In this sense, the research reveals that the face of adversity, family functioning has a greater likelihood of developing resilience, overcoming the challenges posed DS. Thus, this study aims to characterize the families of children with DS, identify risk and protective factors, describe the coping strategies of parents and analyzing family resilience. Five families composed of father, mother and children, with one DS, were visited in their homes. The mother answered the Questionnaire characterization of the family system and both parents responded separately to the family resource Scale, family support Scale, the coping strategies Inventory and interviews, and the typically developing child was also interviewed. The results indicate that family income has averaged 11,7 minimum wages and mothers constitute the main DS caregivers with their children and assume most of the household activities. Participation in Mass/worship was the most social activity reported by participants. In general, families evaluate resources as available, mainly those related to shelter, health and child care. The most frequently used coping strategy is positive reappraisal, while the least used is escape-avoidance. Before bad events, mainly of health problems related to DS, families have the ability to make sense of adversity, as well as organize themselves cooperatively, with dialogue and closer ties. In all families identify themselves indicative of family resilience.