Family Coping Strategies Research Articles

Family experiences in communicating with family members experiencing social isolation after hospitalization

Social isolation is one of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia that is likely to persist after hospitalization. This study aimed to describe family experiences in communicating with post-hospitalized family members experiencing social isolation. This study used a descriptive phenomenology qualitative approach. The research sample consisted of seven participants selected by a purposive sampling method. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with family members of people with schizophrenia who experienced social isolation after hospitalization. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. Five themes emerged in this study: a) emotional reactions towards communication changes after hospitalization; b) family coping strategies in communicating with post-hospitalized clients; c) stigma and emotional expression as factors aggravating limited social interaction; d) types of family communication used to fulfill the psychological needs of patients, and e) family involvement in communicating with socially-isolated clients after hospitalization. Family communication becomes part of the adaptation of the family to caring for a family member with a chronic illness. It is recommended that nurses provide mental health education and psychological education on communication skills to family caregivers.

Comparison of Family Resilience and Coping Strategies amongst Married Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy, Breast Cancer Survivors and Women without Cancer

Comparison of Family Resilience and Coping Strategies amongst Married Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Undergoing Chemotherapy, Breast Cancer Survivors and Women without Cancer

The mediating role of coping strategy in the association between family functioning and nonsuicidal self-injury among Taiwanese adolescents.

Nock's (2009) integrated theoretical model suggests that both intrapersonal and interpersonal factors contribute to the development of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). Based on this model, the present study examined the roles of family functioning and coping strategy in predicting NSSI, as well as the mediating effect of coping strategy in the relationship between family functioning and NSSI. Gender differences on the associations of these variables were also examined. A sample of 1,989 secondary school students (52.0% females) in Taiwan was assessed by self-report measures of perceived family functioning, coping strategy, and NSSI. Results showed that both family functioning and avoidance/emotion-focused coping strategy predicted NSSI. Additionally, the association between family functioning and NSSI was mediated by avoidance/emotion-focused coping strategy. Gender differences were not found on the associations among these study variables. These data provided evidences that the Nock's (2009) integrated theoretical model may help to explain how coping strategy mediates the effect of family functioning on NSSI. The implications of the findings for future research and intervention were discussed.

Clinical and demographic variables associated with coping and the burden of caregivers of schizophrenia patients

ObjectiveTo analyse the relationship between burden of illness and coping strategies and the demographic variables of caregivers, and the demographic and clinical variables of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. MethodsMulticentre correlational cross-sectional study including 70 people diagnosed with schizophrenia, or a schizoaffective disorder, and 70 primary informal caregivers. They were evaluated using the Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview, Family Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and the brief Disability Assessment Scale. ResultsBurden of illness positively associated with patient impairment in occupational and social functioning, and negatively with education level. Avoidance, coercion and positive communication were positively associated with impairment in occupational and social functioning of patients. Social interest and friendships showed a positive association with the education level of caregivers. Spiritual assistance negatively correlated with impairment in social functioning and patient age, and resignation was negatively associated with length of the disorder and patient education level. ConclusionsBurden and dysfunctional coping strategies, such as avoidance and coercion, are associated with functional impairment of the patient. These findings suggest the need to provide support to caregivers, adjusted to the functional level of the patient, in order to prevent burden of care.

The experience of Greek families of critically ill patients: Exploring their needs and coping strategies

ObjectivesTo explore the experiences, needs and coping strategies of families of patients admitted to adult intensive care units. Design and settingA descriptive qualitative research design was chosen using an inductive thematic content analysis approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted withfourteen family members in three hospitals of Crete. FindingsFour main themes were derived from data analysis. Our results showed that family members were in turmoil having to deal with intense and alternating feelings. The protection of patient’s dignity and well-being was of utmost importance mainly by maintaining proximity. Getting comprehensible information and building communication with the healthcare providers was often problematic. Three coping strategies were used: optimism, family support and spirituality. ConclusionThis study is a contribution to the understanding of Greek family’s experiences and psychosocial needs during critical illness. A family-inclusive framework should be promoted and implemented in intensive care recognising and supporting family’s role in the patient’s illness and recovery.

Tekanan Ekonomi, Strategi Koping, dan Ketahanan Keluarga yang Menikah Usia MUda

Early marriage family refer to united people by blood or adoption, consisting of husband, wife, children and other family members in which one of husband or wife or both of them are married under 20 years old. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlation and the influence of economic pressure and coping strategy on family strength among early marriage family. The study was conducted in the Cihideung Udik village and Tegal Waru village, Ciampea Sub District, Bogor Distr. The samples of this research were families who the husband or wife or both were under 20 years old when they were married and had children who aged 0-6 years old. There were 70 mothers of sample families as respondents. This research showed that the family economic pressures were in the the medium category, family coping strategies were in the low category, and family strength were in the medium category. Family strength affected by length of marriage, number of family member, and economic pressure. Moreover, the number of family members and length of marriage had a significant positive influence on family strength. On the other hand, economic pressures had a significant negative influence on family strength. Further research is expected to involve husband in interviews and to involve some variables that can give a comprehensive empirical evidence to explore the life of early marriage family; such as family resource management, family adjustment, intimacy of married couples, and child development of young couples.

MINDFULNESS FOR EARLY ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE: A PILOT STUDY

Studies have demonstrated that mindfulness training reduces stress and depression among Alzheimer's caregivers, but little evidence exists regarding the feasibility and impact of a mindfulness program for people with early Alzheimer's. The Mindfulness Pilot Study compared a mindfulness program designed for people with early Alzheimer's disease and their care partners (dyads) to the Memory Club, a psycho-educational support intervention for this population. The study was conducted in 2 phases over 4 months. In phase 1, dyads were recruited for the Mindfulness program. In phase 2, additional dyads were recruited for the Memory Club. Both interventions included two-hour sessions once weekly for 10 weeks with additional sessions for pre and post outcome measurement. Outcomes related to mood, emotional and physical health, wellbeing, stress, anxiety, and self-compassion were evaluated. Change scores were calculated for all outcomes measures. Mindfulness and Memory Club interventions were analyzed using paired t-tests or mixed effect models. Thirty-eight participants enrolled in the Mindfulness (10 dyads) and Memory Club (9 dyads) programs. The majority of participants rated the interventions as easy to learn, likely to incorporate in their lifestyles, valuable and facilitated effectively. The Mindfulness intervention resulted in significant pre-post improvements in emotional health and depression for participants with Alzheimer's (p=.018), while Memory Club participants with Alzheimer's reported significant increases in stress and reduced serenity (p=.003). When comparing the groups to each other, participants with Alzheimer's in the Mindfulness group had significantly reduced anxiety, depression and stress, improved emotional health and increased serenity, while the caregivers had significantly reduced depression, burden and higher self-compassion over participants in the Memory Club. Results support the feasibility and efficacy of a Mindfulness program for people living with early Alzheimer's. Interventions that provide disease education may temporarily increase anxiety and depression among participants. Mindfulness interventions offer participants stress reduction strategies that may help to counteract this effect and offer long-term coping strategies for families living with Alzheimer's.

Estrategias de afrontamiento familiar y repercusiones en la salud familiar: Una revisión de la literatura

Introducción: La salud familiar ha constituido una preocupación para todos aquellos que trabajan con la familia. La forma que tiene la familia de enfrentarse a los acontecimientos y proceso vitales estresantes es conocida como afrontamiento familiar y tiene repercusión en la salud familiar. <br />Objetivo: Conocer las estrategias de afrontamiento familiar y su relación con la salud familiar.<br />Metodología: Se realizó una revisión de la literatura científica a través de las siguientes bases de datos: PubMed/Medline, SCOPUS, PsycINFO y Dialnet, desde 2010 hasta 2016. <br />Resultados: Las estrategias iniciales de búsqueda identificaron un total de 1074 resultados, siendo finalmente seleccionados 23 estudios. En cuanto a las principales situaciones familiares estresantes fueron: enfermedades crónicas, Trastornos del Espectro Autista (TEA), enfermedades mentales y adicciones, accidentes y discapacidad, reajuste familiar, problemas laborales y financieros. Y las principales estrategias de afrontamiento familiar fueron: positivas como búsqueda de información, búsqueda de apoyo familiar, social o espiritual, aceptación y mejora de la autoestima. Y las negativas fueron negación, ocultación, desconexión, auto-culpa, distanciamiento emocional, consumo de sustancia, entre otros. <br />Conclusiones: Los acontecimientos estresantes alteran el equilibrio dinámico familiar, de ahí la importancia de que la unidad familiar posea buenas estrategias de afrontamiento. Por otro lado, es importante que los profesionales de la salud conozcan los principales estresores, así como las estrategias de afrontamiento familiar positivas, para mediante la promoción de la salud, poder prevenir los problemas derivados de un inadecuado afrontamiento familiar.<br /><br />

Consumption, crisis, and coping strategies of lower class families in Brazil: A sociological account

AbstractExtant research on the dispositional dimensions of coping strategies emphasizes the personality determinants behind the different ways through which individuals seek to tolerate, minimize, and overcome stressful situations. We offer a sociological complement to this perspective. To do so, we conducted a qualitative inquiry of Brazilian new middle‐class consumers who are facing the current economic crisis after having experienced more than a decade of expansion in consumption. We identify five sets of coping strategies through which consumers minimize the effects of the crisis and remain invested in consumer culture. We also demonstrate how such strategies are differently informed by dispositional elements that stem from primary and secondary socializations. We contribute to a sociological account of the shaping of the cognitive, emotional, and social resources individuals deploy to cope with the crisis as well as with an empirical account of the lived effects of current Brazilian crisis.

„Hát megpróbálunk küzdeni”: átalakuló boldogulási stratégiák Kárpátalján az Euromajdan után

Ukrajna közelmúltbeli viharos története politikai, gazdasági és társadalmi válsághoz vezetett az ország egészében és vizsgálati terepünkön, Kárpátalján is. A katonai konfliktus, a behívók, valamint az egyre mélyülő gazdasági válság jelentősen átalakította a 2014 előtti boldogulási stratégiákat, felerősítve a külföldre irányuló migrációt – etnikai hovatartozástól függetlenül.Tanulmányunk mintegy gyorsjelentésként arra vállalkozik, hogy átfogó képet adjon Kárpátalja jelenlegi helyzetéről, valamint az elmúlt három évben végbement, a magyar közösséget érintő markáns változásokról. Fő célunk annak bemutatása, hogy az Ukrajna területén bekövetkezett bel- és geopolitikai események (Euromajdan, a Krím elvesztése, kelet-ukrajnai fegyveres konfliktus) hogyan alakították át Kárpátalján az egyéni és családi boldogulási mintázatokat, köztük a tanulmányunk fókuszában álló migrációs stratégiákat és a magyar–ukrán határon átnyúló informális kapcsolatokat. Írásunkban külön kitérünk Magyarország támogatáspolitikájának migrációt ösztönző avagy fékező hatásaira.A 2016 tavaszán végzett terepmunkánk alapján kijelenthetjük, hogy a korábban sem elhanyagolható mértékű mobilitás és a határhoz kötődő informális gazdasági stratégiák – mint önálló vagy kiegészítő bevételszerzési lehetőségek – felerősödtek Kárpátalján. A helyiek mobilitási stratégiáinak meghatározó jellemzője a cirkularitás, mind a külföldi munkavállalás, mind a határon átívelő rendszeres mozgások (pl. ingázás, csempészés, kiskereskedelem) esetében, de egyre erősödő forma a végleges kitelepedés is. Mindezen mozgásokat jelentősen megkönnyítették a magyar nemzetpolitika egyes lépései, különösen a magyar állampolgárság egyszerűsített megszerzésének lehetősége.

Mapping the Paths from Styles of Anger Experience and Expression to Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms: The Moderating Roles of Family Cohesion and Adaptability.

Previous research has shown strong connections of anger experience and expression with obsessive–compulsive (OC) symptoms. Additionally, studies have demonstrated links between family environment variables and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD). Our study aims to integrate the perspectives from these two literatures by exploring the moderating roles of family cohesion and family adaptability in the relationship between anger proneness and suppression and OCD symptoms. A total of 2008 college students were recruited from a comprehensive university in Shanghai, China between February and May 2016. The subjects completed self-report inventories, including the Symptom Check List-90, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory 2 (Chinese version), and Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale, second edition (Chinese Version). Controlling for age, one-child family status, ethnicity, family income, current depression, and anxiety, our analyses showed that the association between anger proneness and OC symptoms was moderated by family cohesion among men and that family adaptability moderated the connection between anger suppression and OC complaints among women. The findings imply that a more cohesive and empathic family environment may protect male students with high levels of anger proneness from developing OC behaviors or thoughts. The results suggest that for female subjects who are accustomed to suppressing angry feelings, flexible family coping strategies and communication atmospheres would reduce their vulnerability to OC symptoms. The findings are somewhat consistent with those of previous studies on psychotherapy outcomes that showed that OCD patients benefitted from psychotherapeutic interventions that cultivated the clients’ family cohesion and adaptability.

Are coping strategies really different among family members of patients with eating disorders?

IntroductionFamily members of patients with Eating Disorders(EDs)–in dealing with the relatives’ disease–report negative feelings such as self-blame and criticism, but little is known regarding their coping strategies.ObjectivesTo describe coping strategies in a sample of relatives of patients with EDs using the Family Coping Questionnaire–Eating Disorder version (FCQ-ED).Aims (1) To evaluate coping strategies in relatives of patients with EDs; (2) to describe differences in coping strategies according to type of kinship with the patient; (3) to identify correlations among socio-demographic characteristics, patients’ clinical characteristic, and type of coping strategies.MethodsRelatives’ coping strategies were evaluated using the FCQ-ED, a self-administered questionnaire, consisting of 32 items, grouped in 5 subscales: coercion; positive communication; collusion; seeking for information; avoidance, plus one item on seeking for spiritual help.ResultsSeventy-two patients and 127 relatives were recruited. The most frequently adopted coping strategies were seeking for information, positive communication, seeking for spiritual help; the former were positively correlated with the level of education of both patients and relatives. Mothers avoided the patients less frequently than other relatives.DiscussionThis is one of the first studies focused on coping strategies in families of patients with EDs showing that problem-oriented ones are used quite often. Socio-demographic characteristics and type of kinship can have an impact on the adoption of coping strategies, but further longitudinal studies are needed in order to identify other possible factors implied in their development.ConclusionsThis represents an initial attempt to understand how clinical, social and personal variables can have an impact on the development of coping strategies.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The relationship between coping strategies and sociodemographic characteristics, shame and anxiety in families of children or adolescences with inflammatory bowel diseases: A cross sectional study

IntroductionUlcerative colitis and Crohn's disease is characterized from a complicated therapeutic management, with bodily and psychological impact to the family.ObjectivesThis study examined the coping strategies among families with a child or adolescent with IBD.AimThe aim was to investigate possible sex differences with respect to coping strategies of the parents would correlated to overall coping strategies.MethodThe participants were biological parents of patients diagnosed with IBD. The total sample included 61 parents with a mean age 46.2 (SD = 7.4). The parents completed:– the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Scales;– the Other As Shamer Scale;– the Experiences of Shame Scale (ESS);– questionnaire concerning socio-demographic information.ResultsMother reported higher levels of social support, accept help, passive appraisal, and overall strategies compared to fathers. The strongest difference was found in accept help (P < 0.001). The feelings of shame of the mothers and fathers of the IBD families were very similar, without statistically significant differences between the groups. The results of the MLR, after controlling for adolescents age, sex and illness duration, revealed that the older age, being a mother, being married and being employment had direct positive associations with the overall coping strategies, while ESS had direct negative associations with the overall coping strategies. The model with all seven predictors explained 68% of the total variance (R2 = 0.68, F = 6.409, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings provide more detailed information on the coping strategies of Greek families with a child or adolescence with IBD.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Invisible effects of chemotherapy

IntroductionChemotherapy is an essential component in the treatment and alleviation of oncological diseases. To your application are associated, as well as systemic effects, cognitive impairment in patients. These changes have received increasing attention due to the impact on quality of life of cancer survivors.ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the current evidence on the association between chemotherapy and cognitive impairment in cancer patients, especially in the areas affected cognitive function, possible mechanisms of action and consequences on the quality of life of these patients and the importance of identifying strategies intervention in order to minimize these effects.MethodsWe conducted a literature review from literature articles addressing this topic with use of databases: Medline and Pubmed. The following keywords were used: “chemobrain”, “cognitive dysfunction”, “chemotherapy”.ResultsAlthough some states have not found differences, several studies have shown that chemotherapy has implications cognitively. Underlying etiology remains unknown, and proposed several mechanisms to explain these changes: neurotoxicity, microvascular damage and inflamamatory response. Cognitive impairment has significant implications in the daily life of patients both personally, socially and labour. The therapeutic approach focuses on the patient and family education, coping strategies, cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive behavioural therapy.ConclusionsIt is vital to educate patients about the possibility of cognitive change as effect of chemotherapy as well as health professionals in the early identification of these changes. It is essential developing specific intervention strategies to improve the quality of life of the oncologic patient during and after treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Coping Strategies in Families with Intellectual Impaired Children at Dagbreek and Môreson Centres in the Khomas Education Region of Namibia

Coping Strategies in Families with Intellectual Impaired Children at Dagbreek and Môreson Centres in the Khomas Education Region of Namibia

Prevalence and Determinants of Postpartum Depression in Sukoharjo District, Central Java

Background: After delivery of psychological disorder otherwise appropriately and immediately handled may lead to postpartum depression (PPD). PPD has a serious impact on mothers that manifests as lower quality of life and inability to care of themselves, their partner, and infants. There is a lack of studies on PPD in Indonesia. Its prevalence and determinants are not well-understood. This study sought to estimate the prevalence and the determinants of PPD in Sukoharjo, Central Java. Subjects and Method: This was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design. The study was conducted at community health centers in Sukoharjo District, Central Java, from November to December 2017. A total sample of 200 postpartum mothers was selected for this study using cluster random sampling, with a community health center as the cluster. The dependent variable was PPD. The independent variables were maternal age, parity, labor complication, maternal education, self-efficacy, family income, coping strategy, unwanted pregnancy, and family support. The data were collected by questionnaire and analyzed by path analysis. Results: PPD prevalence in Sukoharjo, Central Java, was 18.5%. The risk of PPD increased with labor complication (b= 3.14, SE= 0.45, p<0.001), unwanted pregnancy (b= 1.54, SE= 0.45, p<0.001), and low family income (b= -0.05, SE= 0.01, p<0.001). The risk of PPD decreased with age (b= -0.07, SE= 0.03, p= 0.028), stronger self-efficacy (b= -0.55, SE= 0.09, p<0.001), and improved coping strategy (b= -0.56, SE= 0.03, p= 0.064). PPD was indirectly affected by younger age, parity, weaker family support, lower family income, coping strategy, and maternal education. Conclusion: PPD prevalence is 18.5% in Sukoharjo, Central Java. The risk of PPD increases with labor complication, unwanted pregnancy, and low family income, but decreases with age, stronger self-efficacy, and improved coping strategy. Keyword: prevalence, postpartum depression, determinant, path analysis Correspondence: Ryanwati Putriarsih. Masters Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36 A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: puuputriana@gmail.com. Mobile: +6281393085790 Journal of Maternal and Child Health (2018), 3(1): 395-408 https://doi.org/10.26911/thejmch.2017.03.01.02

Variables demográficas y clínicas relacionadas con la carga y el afrontamiento de los cuidadores de personas diagnosticadas de esquizofrenia

ObjectiveTo analyse of the relationship between burden of illness and coping strategies and the demographic variables of caregivers, and the demographic and clinical variables of people diagnosed with schizophrenia. MethodsMulticentre correlational cross-sectional study including 70 people diagnosed with schizophrenia, or a schizoaffective disorder, and 70 primary informal caregivers. They were evaluated using Zarit Caregiver Burden Inventory, Family Coping Strategies Questionnaire, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, and the brief Disability Assessment Scale. ResultsBurden of illness positively associated with patient impairment in occupational and social functioning, and negatively with education level. Avoidance, coercion and positive communication were positively associated with impairment in occupational and social functioning of patients. Social interest and friendships showed a positive association with the education level of caregivers. Spiritual assistance negatively correlated with impairment in social functioning and patient age, and resignation was negatively associated with length of the disorder and patient education level. ConclusionsBurden and dysfunctional coping strategies, such as avoidance and coercion, are associated with functional impairment of the patient. These findings suggest the need to provide support to caregivers, adjusted to the functional level of the patient, in order to prevent burden of care.

Impacto familiar por la variabilidad laboral. Dos derechos constitucionales: trabajo y familia

El presente artículo busca establecer la influencia de la inestabilidad laboral en los roles familiares y las estrategias de afrontamiento de diez hogares en el contexto colombiano en las ciudades de Cúcuta y Bogotá. De igual manera, reflexionar sobre las posiciones legislativas y algunas sentencias de la Corte Constitucional Colombiana frente a la protección en términos familiares y laborales, entendiéndolas como áreas fundamentales para el desarrollo de cualquier ser humano. La metodología de investigación es de carácter cualitativo, en la cual se aplica una entrevista en profundidad a 20 participantes, 10 varones y 10 mujeres. Los resultados permitieron clasificar los tipos de pareja según las transformaciones que han sufrido, debido a las condiciones laborales, teniendo como base la tipología que establece Mabel Burin (2007) en las parejas: tradicionales, transicionales, innovadoras y contraculturales, además de las parejas de separación circunstancial encontradas como variable emergente en esta investigación

ESTRÉS Y AFRONTAMIENTO EN FAMILIAS DE HIJOS CON TRASTORNO DE ESPECTRO AUTISTA

Abstract.Research shows the relationship between having children with neurodevelopmental disorders and family stress. The Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD has its own symptoms and a number of additional problems that give it a distinctive profile. These differences are reflected in the levels of stress shown by caregivers of children with the disorder. Coping is a reaction to behavioral and / or psychological stress, aimed at reducing the destructive stress attributes. Theories of stress and coping, as well as more specific models of family accommodation show how coping strategies have an important role in the outcome of adaptation. Consequently, depending on the type of coping strategies used by parents, the stress index will change. This study examines the relationship between family stress and coping strategies in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, caregivers, stress and coping.Resumen.STRESS AND COPING IN FAMILIES OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERDiversas investigaciones muestran la relación existente entre tener hijos con Trastornos del neurodesarrollo y el estrés familiar. El Trastorno del Espectro Autista o TEA tiene una sintomatología y una serie de problemas añadidos que le confieren un perfil característico que lo diferencia y aleja de otros trastornos similares. Estas diferencias se ponen de manifiesto en los niveles de estrés presentes en los cuidadores de niños con dicho trastorno. El afrontamiento es una reacción al estrés de tipo conductual y/o psicológico dirigido a reducir las cualidades destructivas del estrés. Las teorías de estrés y afrontamiento, así como los modelos más específicos de adaptación familiar muestran cómo las estrategias de afrontamiento tienen un importante papel en el resultado de adaptación. Así pues dependiendo del tipo de estrategias de afrontamiento utilizadas por los padres, el índice de estrés variará. Este estudio analiza la relación del estrés familiar y las estrategias de afrontamiento en los padres de niños con TEA.Palabras clave: Trastorno del Espectro Autista, cuidadores, estrés y estrategias de afrontamiento.

Coping strategies adopted by parents of children with intellectual disabilities

The tasks of caregiving for children with disabilities involve contextual life stressors. The study aimed to investigate the coping strategies used by parents of children with intellectual disabilities (ID). The search included articles published between 2001 and 2015 on the PubMed, LILACS and PsycINFO databases, using the following key words: intellectual disability, coping, parents, caregivers, family. Thirteen articles were selected, the majority of which adopt a cross-sectional, comparative and quantitative approach. Results indicated that caring for a person with ID is stressful for the family. Parental stress generates changes in the family dynamic and coping strategies are used to facilitate the interaction of the caregiver with the person with ID. Seeking social support in family and professional services, the union of spouses, and search for information, among others, are the main strategies used. Social support was strongly associated with strengthening of the family unit. In contrast, wishful thinking, self-blame, distancing and social isolation were negatively associated with family unity. It is necessary to sensitize health professionals and educators to embrace the theme in public policies and preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.