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Abstract:
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Purpose: To explore the impact of childhood chronic illness/disability on family communication patterns.
Method: Sixty interviews (30 parent/sibling dyads, selected) done upon completion of an intervention study (N = 252) provided data for this report; with semi-structured interview guides, parents and siblings were interviewed separately. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using qualitative methods. Line by line analysis was used to identify codes, categories, and themes reflecting the content, significance, and impact of chronic illness, and an intervention on family communication patterns.Findings: Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Giving Voice: A process of positive movement in communication through which the internal self gains voice to express feelings, wants, needs, concerns, fears, and questions; (2) Communication: A Reflection of Relationships and Roles: A reflection of the dependent nature of roles and relationships experienced internally, manifested externally, and reflected in individual and family communication; (3) Staying Connected: A dynamic process of valuing communication, remaining available for communication and regulating the content and quality of communication to strengthen family adaptation and cohesion; and (4) Struggling for Normalcy: A process of problem-solving that culminated in shared meaning of the illness/disability experience. A conceptual model was developed to illustrate the interrelationships among the themes. Implications/Conclusions: Findings may be used by health care providers to strengthen communication patterns, adaptation, and cohesion in families of children with chronic illness/disability. |
