Communication within families of individuals with disabilities: a comprehensive literature review

Abstract

Family communication is a construct that has been extensively explored in the literature from a systemic perspective. This Integrative Review aims to characterize and identify the instruments used in the context of communication within families of individuals with disabilities. The research was conducted by searching the following databases: CAPES Journal Portal, Medline/Pubmed, Virtual Health Library, Scielo-Scientific Electronic Library Online, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, Educational Research Information Center, and the American Psychological Association. The search process and refinements led to the construction of a database comprising 20 studies. The analysis revealed that 60% (n=12) of the studies were published from 2016 to 2018. In 85% (n=17) of the studies, the participants were caregivers of individuals with disabilities. 30% (n=6) of the research was conducted in North America, and 90% (n=18) of the studies were quantitative. The most commonly used instruments included the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evolution Scale; Family Assessment Device Agreement scale about cohesion, communication and Family relationships and the Family Problem Solving Communication.