Factors Influencing Stress in Families of Individuals with Illness or Disability: A Qualitative Study Based on Family...

Background/Objectives: Stress experienced by families of individuals with illnesses or disabilities is shaped through the interaction of multiple complex influencing factors. This study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing stress in families of young/adult children with illnesses or disabilities, using Family System Unit Stress Theory (FSUST) as the guiding theoretical framework. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 families of young/adult children with illnesses or disabilities. Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis following the approach of Graneheim and Lundman. In line with FSUST, the identified influencing factors were categorized into negative factors (risk/causal/promoting) and positive factors (preventive/inhibitory/suppressive). Results: A total of six categories and 18 subcategories were extracted for the risk/causal/promoting factors, including "accumulation of unshared burdens within the family leading to role overload" and "concerns about the future of the young/adult child." For the preventive/inhibitory/suppressive factors, five categories and 13 subcategories were extracted, including "receiving a diagnosis of the young/adult child's illness or disability" and "family maintaining a positive attitude." Conclusions: Family stress in families of young/adult children with illnesses or disabilities varies through the interaction of multilayered influencing factors, including persistent emotions carried over from the past, difficulties faced in the present, and anticipatory concerns regarding the future. Therefore, nursing practice requires a life course-oriented understanding of family stress and an integrated approach that concurrently reduces risk/causal/promoting factors while enhancing preventive/inhibitory/suppressive factors.