Determinants of perceived family support and conflict: life-course variations among the physically disabled

This study assesses variations in the levels and determinants of family support and family conflict in three age groups of non-institutionalized physically disabled individuals (18-49; 50-64; 65+). Analyses are based on a representative sample of 730 physically disabled adults from ten countries of southwestern Ontario, Canada. Results indicate life-course related differences in the levels of both family support and family conflict, with the oldest group perceiving the greatest support and the least conflict from family members. While level of disability was not significantly related to perceived family support, findings indicate that individuals with greater functional limitations experience less frequent negative or conflictive interactions with family. A number of additional socio-demographic and psycho-social factors were also associated with perceived family support and conflict. However, the determinants of support and conflict were not equivalent and varied considerably by age group. In general, the results of this study support the notion that support and conflict represent independent dimensions of experience. Moreover, the factors that influence family support and conflict appear to change across the life course.