Role of Religion in the Lives of Latino Families of Young Children With Developmental Delays

Abstract

We interviewed 250 parents of Mexican and Puerto Rican origin living in the United States who had young children with developmental delays to determine the role of religion in their lives. Quantitative results indicate that parents largely viewed themselves as religious, were affiliated with a formal religion, and participated in religious activities. Most parents viewed both church and faith as supportive, but faith was shown to provide more support. Repeated measures a analysis of variance found some intragroup variations in religious support and changes in support after learning of the child's condition. Thematic analysis revealed specific religious beliefs and practices parents viewed as supportive, and content and cultural models analyses indicated the religious frameworks by which parents interpreted their child's disability.

Exploring Hispanic parents’ beliefs and attitudes about deaf education

“…These findings are mirrored in another study conducted by Skinner, Correa, Skinner, and Bailey (2001), who found that Hispanic parents believed that their child's disability was either a punishment or a gift from God. Those who believed it was a punishment thought that they were being castigated for sins they had committed.…”

Play Interactions between Children with Autism and their Siblings in a European American and a Vietnamese American Family

“…Research has shown that cultural and religious beliefs play an important role in how family members interpret and understand disability (e.g., Jegatheesan, 2005;Jegatheesan, Miller, & Fowler, 2010;Shaked, 2005;Skinner, Correa, Skinner, & Bailey, 2001). Such beliefs inform parents on issues such as childrearing and socialization practices, as well as expectations and roles of other family members such as siblings.…”

Influence of Religious Coping on the Substance Use and HIV Risk Behaviors of Recent Latino Immigrants

“…Dating back to the Spanish conquest of Mexico and Central and South America, religion has shaped the worldviews of people living in Latin American for over 500 years. As such, religion has become an integral part of Latin American culture providing both spiritual and practical aid (Skinner, Correa, Skinner, Baily, 2001). Studies have revealed that religion is used for assistance, support, socialization and has historically provided hope and meaning to Latinos during difficult life circumstances (Espinosa, Virgilio, & Miranda, 2003;Skinner et al, 2001).…”

“…(p. 18) Among Latinos in the U.S., religious traditions are connected with family, friends, and even folk healers (Skinner et al, 2001). Religious ceremonies are considered social events, which strengthen bonds among family and friends as well as extended support systems (Gonzalez-Morkos, 2005).…”

“…During stressful times, Latino families often rely on religious practices and beliefs to assist in the coping process (Guarnaccia, Parra, Deschamps, Milstein, & Argiles, 1992). Latin American religious practices dating back hundreds of years, such as "peregrinaciones" (pilgrimage), "novenas" (nine-day festivities to venerate a saint), "mandas" (promises made to a saint as exchange something), and religious counseling conducted by a religious leaders are all parts of cultural norms that are practiced by Latinos in the U.S. as a means of dealing with life struggles (Skinner et al, 2001). …”