ERIC Number: EJ1471558
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jun
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1354-4187
EISSN: EISSN-1468-3156
Available Date: 2024-11-08
The Role of Informal Social Networks in Supporting Parents with Learning Disabilities: A Systematic Review
British Journal of Learning Disabilities, v53 n2 p230-247 2025
Background: Parents with learning disabilities are often assessed as lacking the capacity to parent effectively; however, ecological models of parenting indicate that support from informal social networks (ISNs) can help them successfully maintain family life. This systematic review examined evidence regarding (1) parent and child outcomes associated with support from ISNs and (2) perceptions of the roles of ISNs for parents with learning disabilities. Methods: Peer-reviewed quantitative and qualitative literature was identified through a search of six databases, and a narrative synthesis was subsequently conducted. Results: Twenty-six articles were included in the review. Findings of the quantitative synthesis provided preliminary evidence for a positive relationship between support from ISNs and parental mental health, positive parenting practices and child wellbeing. The qualitative synthesis indicated that parents benefited from ISNs through their provision of practical and emotional support and learning skills. Network characteristics that divided supportive from unsupportive members were also identified. Conclusion: Parents with learning disabilities receive the same positive outcomes from ISNs as other parents, although unique contextual and social challenges may affect their experiences. Future research should explore interventions to build ISNs of parents with learning disabilities that acknowledge their existing strengths as parents and community members.
Descriptors: Social Networks, Social Support Groups, Parents, Learning Disabilities, Child Rearing, Family Relationship, Friendship, Neighborhoods, Community Resources
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; Information Analyses
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1School for Business and Society, University of York, York, UK