Coping strategies used by Pakistani parents living in the United Kingdom and caring for a severely disabled child

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the coping strategies of Pakistani parents living in the UK and caring for children with severe learning disabilities. It examines factors that influenced participants’ choice or ability to use the different strategies identified. Method: Qualitative design using in-depth interviews. Results: Coping strategies included sharing care with others, using external support and recognizing and enjoying the rewards of caregiving. Parents used different strategies according to their appraisal of resources available and the perceived consequences of their action within their social milieu. Conclusions: Findings relating to cultural difference fit with a universalist approach. Coping strategies are not specific to the Pakistani population but certain characteristics of the strategies may be distinct to those used by parents with a different heritage. Antonovsky’s work suggests that maintaining a sense of coherence makes a key difference to staying psychologically healthy in an apparently disordered world. Findings from this study fit with this theory. Parents derived meaning and a sense of purpose from the idea that their child’s disability was from God. The rewards of caregiving and the strong moral imperative to care for one’s own child contributed to understandings of caregiving as an activity worthy of investment.

Implications for Rehabilitation

• Coping strategies identified are not specific to the Pakistani population but certain features of the strategies may be distinct to those used by parents with a different heritage.

• Individual practical and material circumstances and availability of resources influenced the choice of coping strategies.

• Religion played a role in the coping experiences of all participants.

• Health professionals should be equipped and supported to use religion appropriately to promote successful coping

Keywords::

• Coping strategies
• culture
• family caregivers
• Pakistani families
• severe learning disabilities

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the families who took part in the study for their valuable contribution.

Declaration of Interest: This study was funded by an NHS Executive Trent Region research training fellowship.