"It's Just a Fact of Life": Family Members' Perceptions of Parental Chronic Illness

Abstract

Both parents and children constructfamily meanings when chronic illness or disability affects a parent. In this analysis, using a symbolic interaction framework, family members described implications for parenting that occurred when one of the parents experienced multiple sclerosis. This study is a secondary analysis of longitudinal data from 23 families each year for a period of 4 years. Findings indicated that both parents and children mostly thought of their families as functioning well, despite the many changes brought about by the chronic illness of one parent. Both spouses were considered good parents by children and parents, although specific changes in parenting, including increased irritability and yelling by parents, increased work and stress of the parent without multiple sclerosis, and changes in family activities away from more active pursuits were acknowledged. Knowledge of family perceptions will provide context and guidance for nurses planning intervention and counseling.