Resilience in families in which a parent has died

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The death of a parent calls on the family to utilize all its resources in order to adaptsuccessfully and maintain normal family functioning. Within the mental health field aparadigm-shift from pathology-based to health-oriented is underway. Integral to thishealth-oriented paradigm is resilience, the ability to rebound after being stressed orchallenged, as well as being able to rise above adversity and to survive stress. Familyresilience theory emphasizes the role that family characteristics, behaviour patterns andcapabilities play in cushioning the impact of stressful life events and in assisting the familyin recovering from crises (McCubbin, Thompson, & McCubbin, 1996). Using a crosssectionalsurvey research design, the present study aimed to explore and explicate thoseresiliency factors which enable families to adjust and adapt successfully after the loss of aparent. Families in which the death of a parent took place 1 to 3 years ago, and in whichthe eldest child was between 12 and 19 years old were approached to take part in thisstudy. Thirty nine families completed questionnaires, as well as an open-ended questionin which they were asked to report the most important factors or strengths which they felthelped their family through the stressful period. Results indicate that intrafamilial supportsuch as emotional and practical support amongst family members, and family hardinesscharacteristics such as the internal strengths and durability of the family unit, contribute toresilience within the family. Individual characteristics, such as positive personalitycharacteristics like optimism, are as important. Support from extended family and friends,as well as support obtained from religious and spiritual beliefs and activities, were reportedas facilitating successful adjustment to the loss.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University