ERIC Number: EJ1461078
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jan
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1360-2322
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3148
Available Date: 2024-12-19
Programme Recipient and Facilitator Experiences of Positive Family Connections for Families of Children with Intellectual Disabilities and/or Who Are Autistic
Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, v38 n1 e70003 2025
Background: Family members of children with developmental disabilities on average report poorer family functioning and mental health. Positive Family Connections is a co-produced, positively-oriented, family-systems support programme for families of children with developmental disabilities aged 8-13. We investigated experiences of Positive Family Connections, and the processes involved in change. Method: We conducted semi-structured interviews with eight family carers who took part in Positive Family Connections and nine facilitators. Data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: Programme recipients' and facilitators generally reported positive experiences of Positive Family Connections and described beneficial effects on wellbeing and family relationships. We developed a model showing how the lived experience of facilitators and positive approach led to reductions in isolation and perceived changes in mindset that were described as improving family carers' wellbeing and family relationships. Conclusions: Positive Family Connections appears to be an acceptable programme which programme recipients and facilitators perceive to be beneficial.
Descriptors: Developmental Disabilities, Children, Early Adolescents, Family Environment, Family Relationship, Well Being, Program Effectiveness, Facilitators (Individuals), Family Programs, Family Attitudes, Intellectual Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorders
Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www-wiley-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-us
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Centre for Research in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CIDD), University of Warwick, Coventry, UK