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Transformations in the Family System after the Birth of a Child with Disability

Transformações no Sistema Familiar após o Nascimento de um Filho com Deficiência

Transformaciones en el Sistema Familiar tras el Nacimiento de un Hijo con Discapacidad

Abstract

The arrival of a child with disability causes changes in the family structure and dynamics. The objective of this study was to identify the parents’ reactions after the transmission of the diagnosis of disability of their child and its repercussions on the family. A semi-structured interview was carried out with three couples with a child, which identified the profile and the transformations in the family system. The data analysis, with the aid of the IRaMuTeQ program (lexographic analysis and Descending Hierarchical Classification), resulted in the classs/categories: birth and mourning, pregnancy and care, routine and overload, spirituality and intrafamily relationships. The transformations in the family dynamics provoked feelings of mourning, overload of the couples, the need for a support network and, in some cases, the connection with spirituality. In conclusion, there is a need for interprofessional and intersectoral research in view of the communication of the diagnosis and the changes throughout the life of the family.

Keywords:
family; people with disabilities; diagnosis

Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Psicologia Av.Bandeirantes 3900 - Monte Alegre, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto - São Paulo - Brasil, Tel.: (55 16) 3315-3829 - Ribeirão Preto - SP - Brazil
E-mail: paideia@usp.br