Religion and families of children with developmental delays

Parents in 102 families with a 3- to 5-year-old child with developmental delays of uncertain etiology were interviewed concerning religion and adaptations to their child with delays. Religious parents were somewhat more familistic than were nonreligious parents, emphasized parental nurturance, and said that their child was an opportunity rather than a burden. Religious and nonreligious families were similar on other measures of developmental beliefs and social support. Religious parents described the "purpose" of their children with delays in their lives in emotionally powerful and meaningful ways that clearly helped them, although direct measures of peace of mind and emotional adjustment did not differ between religious and nonreligious families.