PERSONAL GROWTH BEHIND THE SCENES: PARENT, SIBLINGS
AND GRANDPARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
L. Findler
Head of the Rehabilitation Track, School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University,
Israel
The daily life experience of families of children with disabilities has
been depicted for many years as “chronic sorrow”, “Suffering” and “illfated”
(Olshanksy, 1962; Blacher, 1984). Without a doubt, those
families face a unique challenge. However, it appears that along with
the difficulties, pressure and distress, many of them are able to adapt
to the new circumstances and lead a full life. Furthermore, many
families report experiencing adjustment and growth (Konard, 2006;
Findler & Vardi, 2009; Hastings & Taunt, 2002). Positive Psychology
sheds new light on the positive impacts of having a child with a
disability in the family. Growth is defined as a process of creating a
meaning in the face of distress and existential crisis. Under these
circumstances, growth may be realized in different ways, including the
re-examination of one’s life, a reinforced sense of strength and
empowerment, amelioration in interpersonal relationships, a change of
pre-existing priorities, spiritual growth as well as the discovery of a
new meaning and purpose to life. Generally, the literature is focused
on the personal experience of the persons with the disability. The
current presentation aimed to take a closer look on the way families
cope with the challenging situation, not solemnly from the parents’
point of view but also from the perspective of the extended family,
which is usually left behind the scene- siblings and grandparents, who
too go through unique and noteworthy experiences.
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