The Role of Family in the Development of Social Skills in Children with Physical Disabilities

Abstract

This study aims to identify the family characteristics that promote the development of social skills in children with physical disabilities. Parents and teachers completed a range of questionnaires in an Australia-wide study of 212 parents of children (5-12 years of age) with physical disabilities who attend mainstream schools. The relationships between parental attitudes, parental involvement, family relationships, teachers' opinions, disability severity, and children's social skills were tested using structural equation modelling. The results of this study show the importance of family characteristics for the development of social skills in children with physical disabilities. A strong link was found between aspects of healthy family relationships, especially high levels of parental involvement with schooling, and greater social skills development in children. In short, families with highly cohesive, idealised, and democratic family styles strongly influence children's social skills by providing a safe and sound foundation for children to explore their social environment. Practical implications arising from this study are discussed.

A multidimensional model of optimal participation of children with physical disabilities

“…10 Self-perception profile for Children [74]. disabilities [47]. Children of families that participate in recreational and cultural activities are more likely to be involved in these activities [24,25,48].…”

Effect of Parent Involvement and Parent Expectations on Postsecondary Outcomes for Individuals Who Are d/Deaf or Hard of Hearing

“…There are a multitude of genetic and environmental factors that influence development, and a child's parents, in most cases, are first and foremost in both roles (Bronfenbrenner, 1979). When looking at important contributors to life-long developmental outcomes, such as what kind of career a person chooses or their outlook on life, an individual with a disability's parents are one potential source of external influence (Bennett & Hay, 2007). The research literature on the role of parents in academic domains emphasizes the importance of both parental involvement in school-related activities and parent expectations surrounding postschool Individuals with disabilities have long fought for equal access to higher education and employment opportunities (Lustig, Strauser, & Donnell, 2003).…”

O sentido do esporte para atletas de basquete em cadeiras de rodas: processo de integração social e promoção de saúde

“…Estudos no contexto da psicologia do esporte relacionado ao esporte adaptado e atividades físicas para a pessoa com deficiência têm investigado aspectos voltados ao estabelecimento de metas e autoconceito dos praticantes (VARSAMIS; AGALIOTIS, 2011;KOKARIDAS et al, 2009), identidade, autoestima e relacionamento social dos atletas (DINOMAIS et al, 2010;SHAPIRO;MARTIN, 2010), percepção da família em relação ao esporte (GLIDDEN et al, 2011;BENNETT;HAY, 2007); impacto e promoção da atividade física (BUFFART et al, 2009;IBRAHIM;ALI, 2010). Especificamente no basquete em cadeiras de rodas, Stancil (2007) realizou um estudo com atletas de diferentes nacionalidades, concluindo que os praticantes perceberam benefícios psicológicos, sociais e relacionados à saúde, desenvolvendo crenças de autoeficácia ao praticarem o esporte adaptado.…”