Pathways to Resilience III: Beyond Nature vs. Nurture

Abstract #317
Development of a Structured Support Programme to Enhance Resilience in Parents of Children with Complex Health Needs: a Mixed Methods Participatory Action Study
Presenter: Sharon McCloskey  
Abstract:
Caring for children with complex healthcare needs places parents under additional strains compared to other parents with regard to their physical and emotional health, relationships and economic welfare. Yet great variation exists in how parents and families facing similar circumstances cope, with some exhibiting negative consequences of caring while others cope well and thrive. How families cope is linked to resilience. Research confirms the potential for resilience to be enhanced and group based interventions are one approach through which this may be promoted. This poster will outline the work undertaken to develop a programme with this group of parents (phase 1 of a 2 part study). A pragmatic research design was applied with adherence to the main principles and social justice goals of transformative research. The programme was developed through an iterative series of workshops and focus groups with parents which explored the demands they experience, what helps them to cope and what they would consider helpful in a programme. Their views have been linked with existing theory and research outcomes to develop a programme which takes account of the research evidence but has been shaped by the population it seeks to help. It will be tested in phase 2.