In comparison with the long and continuous history of research in the general area of
stress and coping. theoretical and clinical interest in family stresses, hardships, and adaptation
is a recent phenomenon.
Today family behavior in response to predictable and unpredictable life events has gained
respect as an important area of theory building, research, and intervention.
To understand the phenomena of family behavior, comprehensive theoretical framework is
needed which gives a backgroudn to us.
For the purpose that, this study was designed to develop and test a structural model for
family stress and adaptation in families with handicapped children.
A hypothetical model was constructed on the basis of the family stress theory developed by
McCubbin etc. The model included 6 theoretical concepts and 11 paths.
For the purpose of model testing, empirical data were collected from May to August, 1992.
The subject of the study constituted 190 parents of chidren in five special schools and one
private institutes in Seoul and Choong Nam.
An SPSS PC+ and PC-LISREL 7.13 computer programs were used for descriptive and
covariance structure analysis.
@ES The results of the study were as follows.
@EN 1) The results of covariance structure analysis indicated :
(1) The hypothetical model showed itself a good fit to the empirical
data[Chi-square=8.81(df=5, P=0.117). Goodness of Fit Index=0.987, Adjusted Goodness of Fit
Index=0.928, Root Mean Squre Residual=0.026. Non Normed Fit Index=0.934, Normed Fit
Index=0.966].
(2) For the parsimony of the model, a modified model was constructed by deleting 3 paths
among 4 nonsignificant paths according to the criteria of statistical significance and
meaningfulness.
The modified model also showed itself a good fit to the data[Chi-square=12.32(df=8, P=0.137),
Goodness of Fit Index=0.982, Adjusted Goodness of Fit Index=0.938, Root Mean Square
Residual=0.037, Non Normed Fit Index=0.953, Normed Fit Index=0.953]
2) The results of Hypothesis testing indicated :
(1) Social Support( 11=0.198, T=2.354) and Family Functioning( 12=0.690, T=3.634) had direct
effects on Situational Definition.
(2) Life Event Stress( 23=0.415, T=0.415, T=4.454) had direct effects on the effect of the
handicapped child on the family.
(3) Family Functioning( 32=0.246, T=3.634) had direct effects on Family Adaptation.
(4) Situational Definition( 21=-0.226, T=2.899) had direct efects on Family Stress.
(5) situational Definition( 31=0.201, T=3.536) had direct effects on Family Adaptation.
(6) The Family Stress( 32=-0.223, T=-3887) had direct effects on Family Adaptation.
The model was supported by the empirical data. Thus it was suggested that the model could
be adequately applied to family nursing care with families with handicapped.
Especially, the nursing intervention that could enhance the family functioning and the
situational definition could improve the family adaptation in the families with the handicapped
children.
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