Coping mechanisms of families caring for children with down syndrome
- Columna, jonila Tiffany G., Martinez, Jennifer B, Buot, Vilprinsa N. September 2018
ABSTRACT
COPING MECHANISMS OF FAMILIES CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME Jonila Tiffany G. Columna, Jennifer B. Martinez, Vilprinsa N. Buot, College of Health Sciences, University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Rawis Legazpi City, Philippines, 4500
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused when an error in cell division results in an extra 21st chromosome. It is a genetic condition that results when there is an extra copy of a specific chromosome, chromosome 21. Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Caring for a family member with Down's syndrome is extremely challenging and entails not only patience but knowledge and support from others. This study made use of Phenomenological Qualitative approach. Selected five family members of children with Down's syndrome were chosen as participants and the researchers used interview guide and audio recorder on one on one interview. The key informants were two teachers of the special education program of Rawis Elementary School. This study showed the collective experiences of parenting a child with Down syndrome while acknowledging that there are individual variations in these experiences. Many of the experiences told by the participants were identified to be denial, stress, fear and disappointment. The coping mechanisms employed by the family members are acceptance, support from other families with Down's syndrome and social acceptance. This study recommended that parents should educate themselves about their child's condition and treatments through lectures and seminars. Counselling sessions also help families gain knowledge on coping skills in caring for children with Down syndrome.
Keywords: Coping mechanisms, Caring Families, Down syndrome
ABSTRACT
COPING MECHANISMS OF FAMILIES CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME Jonila Tiffany G. Columna, Jennifer B. Martinez, Vilprinsa N. Buot, College of Health Sciences, University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi, Rawis Legazpi City, Philippines, 4500
Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder caused when an error in cell division results in an extra 21st chromosome. It is a genetic condition that results when there is an extra copy of a specific chromosome, chromosome 21. Down syndrome experience cognitive delays, but the effect is usually mild to moderate and is not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses. Caring for a family member with Down's syndrome is extremely challenging and entails not only patience but knowledge and support from others. This study made use of Phenomenological Qualitative approach. Selected five family members of children with Down's syndrome were chosen as participants and the researchers used interview guide and audio recorder on one on one interview. The key informants were two teachers of the special education program of Rawis Elementary School. This study showed the collective experiences of parenting a child with Down syndrome while acknowledging that there are individual variations in these experiences. Many of the experiences told by the participants were identified to be denial, stress, fear and disappointment. The coping mechanisms employed by the family members are acceptance, support from other families with Down's syndrome and social acceptance. This study recommended that parents should educate themselves about their child's condition and treatments through lectures and seminars. Counselling sessions also help families gain knowledge on coping skills in caring for children with Down syndrome.
Keywords: Coping mechanisms, Caring Families, Down syndrome