Predictors of Adaptation in Icelandic and American Families of Young Children With Chronic Asthma

Abstract

The purposes of this international study were to determine the predictors of adaptation and to assess potential moderating effects of parents' sense of coherence and family hardiness on the relationship of severity of illness of a child with asthma and family and caregiving demands as predictors of family adaptation. For both parents, sense of coherence and family hardiness predicted family adaptation. Icelandic mothers perceived their family's adaptation more favorably than did their American counterparts. For the fathers, family demands predicted adaptation. Sense of coherence moderated the effect of family demands on adaptation for both parents. These findings underscore the importance of strengthening individual and family resiliency as a mechanism for improving family adaptation.

Mothers’ experience with 1st–3rd‐grade children with asthma assisting their child’s adaptation of school life in Taiwan

“…Our study results are similar to those of Barton et al. (2005) and Svavarsdottir et al. (2005), who also found that mothers experience pressure because of their family roles.…”

Child Asthma and Change in Elevated Depressive Symptoms Among Mothers of Children of a Birth Cohort from Quebec

“…Yet, positive perceptions such as personal growth, family strength, and closeness can still develop (Hastings & Taunt, 2002;Greer, Grey, & McClean, 2006), including in families caring for an asthmatic child. Studies documented factors related to resilience to depression within families with asthmatic children as being ''resistant'' to the burden of child asthma management thanks to an increased feeling of family cohesion, fewer family conflicts, less anxiety in the partner, better social support, development of routines for treating the illness, or higher level of communication (Donnelly, 1994;Fiese, Wamboldt, & Anbar, 2005;Markson & Fiese, 2000;Svavarsdottir, Rayens, & McCubbin, 2005;Svavarsdottir, McCubbin, & Kane, 2000). Through the recommended strategies for caring for an asthmatic child, parents are impelled to take an active role in asthma management by being more vigilant for asthma symptoms, providing a greater sense of control over the problem, which in turn, might alleviate their distress level.…”

The Handbook of Salutogenesis

“…Regarding the fathers, family demands predicted adaptation. SOC moderated the effect of family demands on adaptation for both parents (Svavarsdottir, Rayens, & McCubbin, 2005).…”