Family members' experience of well-being as racial/ethnic minorities raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder: A qualitative meta-synthesis.

Journal Article (Review;Journal Article)

Raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder has often been associated with poorer quality of life and family functioning. Yet, many family members describe themselves as resilient and capable of achieving well-being. Whether and how this occurs in racial/ethnic minority families remains largely unexplored. The aim of this study was to systematically synthesize qualitative studies exploring how families from a racial/ethnic minority background in the United States (1) experienced well-being and (2) responded to challenges they faced while caring for a child diagnosed with three selected neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and intellectual disability. A systematic literature search was conducted in November and December of 2019 and updated in October 2021. Three themes were developed based on included studies: "moving toward well-being as a caregiver," "family and culture: impact on well-being," and "community and culture: impact on well-being." The findings in this review indicate that to develop well-being, racial/ethnic minority families faced additional barriers, including racial/ethnic discrimination and stigma within their family and cultural community. The knowledge generated has the potential to identify areas of intervention to promote resilience and well-being in racial/ethnic minority families raising a child with a neurodevelopmental disorder.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Emmanuel, CJ; Knafl, KA; Hodges, EA; Docherty, SL; O'Shea, TM; Santos, HP

Published Date

  • June 2022

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 45 / 3

Start / End Page

  • 314 - 326

PubMed ID

  • 35141915

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1098-240X

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0160-6891

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1002/nur.22217

Language

  • eng