Browsing by Author "Koegelenberg, Guzelle Joanita"

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    Resilience characteristics of families with a child with type 1 diabetes
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12) Koegelenberg, Guzelle Joanita; Greeff, A. P.; Zollner, E. W. A.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Psychology.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: A chronic illness such as type 1 diabetes does not only have an impact on the individual’s physical and psychological well-being, but ultimately on the well-being of the family as a whole. The family typically fulfils the role of primary support structure for the diabetic child. Regardless of the physical and psychological challenges that form part of the illness, a large number of families are resilient. Families are able to adjust, adapt and cope adequately with a variety of life stressors. Consequently, this study aimed to identify and explore family resilience characteristics that are associated with family adaptation after the diagnosis of a chronic illness in a child. The Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment and Adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin, 2001) served as theoretical framework for this study. Fifty-one primary caregivers represented families with a child with type 1 diabetes who was a patient at a big state hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. The study used a mixed methods approach and it was expected from the participants to answer an open-ended question and complete four self-complete questionnaires. The dependent variable in the study is family adaptation, measured with the Family Attachment and Changeability Index 8 (FACI8) (McCubbin & McCubbin, 2001). Based on the theory and previous studies, the following independent variables were used as measures: family hardiness (The Family Hardiness Index (FHI)), family patterns of communication (Family Problem Solving and Communication Scale (FPSC)) and family time spent together, as well as routines followed together (Family Time and Routine Index (FTRI)). The results show that family resilience characteristics that are significantly correlated with family adaptation are affirming communication in the family; the family’s willingness to accept change as positive; and family time spent together and routines followed in the family. The most important resilience characteristic according to the qualitative data is the support and information received from the paediatric diabetes specialist at the hospital. The family’s religious beliefs, and support received from their church, also play a significant role in their adaptation. This study contributes to the increasing need for and value of positive psychology. The study also creates an opportunity to educate families and medical personnel on the importance of implementing resilience characteristics in families to ensure better adaptation. Recommendations for future studies on resilience in families with a child with type 1 diabetes are made.