Stress experienced by families of older adolescents or young adults with severe disability

Abstract

Qualitative and quantitative research methods were combined to identify the amount and type of stress experienced by families of older adolescents and young adults during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. In-depth interviews were conducted with 12 parents from 8 families; questionnaires were completed by 75 families. A conceptual matrix was developed to represent the stressors experienced by the families. Five major categories of stress were identified: individual characteristics, family characteristics, services, financial considerations, and attitudes. Forty-two subcategories of stress were identified. The major categories of stress receiving the highest stress ratings were “individual characteristics,” “finances,” and “services.” Thirteen subcategories of stress received a “moderate to major stress” rating; 26 subcategories received a “mild to moderate stress” rating. The subcategories receiving the highest stress ratings were individual dependency, lack of autonomy, and individual vulnerability.