Abstract
The psychosocial adjustment of patients who are experiencing physical disabilities is examined within the context of a family ecological approach. Historical and sociocultural characteristics of African-American families are delineated and explored in terms of their potentially positive impact on the adjustment process. Four family strengths are delineated: strong kinship bonds, strong religious orientation, family role flexibility, and strong education/work ethic. The authors demonstrate how these various assets interact reciprocally in the family lives of those individuals who are disabled. Contrary to the predominant deficit theories, a fresh asset-oriented approach is provided. A model of the family adjustment process of African-American clients with disabilities is presented, and some of the important strengths of the African-American family system are examined. Finally, a family strengths model is applied to the therapeutic process.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 915-921 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of the National Medical Association |
Volume | 86 |
Issue number | 12 |
State | Published - Dec 1994 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine(all)