Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

09:41
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
12.4K
Being a parent with a physical disability: A systematic review.
Amanda Dunne1, Christian Ryan1
1School of Applied Psychology, University College Cork.
Rehabilitation Psychology
|October 3, 2024
Summary
Parents with physical disabilities demonstrate remarkable adaptability and resourcefulness. This review highlights their experiences, emphasizing the need for better support systems and accessibility for parenting with a disability.
Area of Science:
- Disability Studies
- Parenting Research
- Qualitative Synthesis
Background:
- Limited synthesis of qualitative research on parenting experiences of individuals with physical disabilities.
- Need to understand the unique challenges and strengths of parents with acquired and congenital physical disabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically synthesize qualitative research on the parenting experiences of parents with physical disabilities.
- To identify common themes and challenges faced by this population.
Main Methods:
- Thematic synthesis of 11 high-quality qualitative studies.
- Searches conducted across multiple databases (CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) with backward snowballing.
- Quality assessment using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist.
Main Results:
- Seven key themes emerged: stigmatization, underrepresentation, environmental limitations, accessing support, adaptive parenting strategies, children's roles and reactions, and health/safety concerns.
- Parents with physical disabilities exhibit resourcefulness in unsupportive environments.
- Focus on prioritizing children's safety and well-being.
Conclusions:
- Parents with physical disabilities are adaptable and resourceful.
- Identified needs include community peer support, accessible public/private spaces, adapted childcare equipment, and public education on parental capabilities.
- Healthcare professionals should provide emotional support to these parents.
Related Concept Videos
Parenting Styles
63
Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles — authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful, and permissive — each influence children's socio-emotional development differently.
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
63
Modeling in Therapy
56
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
56
Autism Spectrum Disorder
74
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
74
Intellectual Disability
44
Intellectual disability (ID) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in intellectual and adaptive functioning that manifest during the developmental period. This condition encompasses challenges in reasoning, memory, problem-solving, and learning, accompanied by impairments in everyday life skills, such as communication, self-care, and social interactions. Intellectual disability affects approximately 1% of the population in the United States, impacting an estimated 5...
44

