| Despite the significant number of families impacted by disability, few studies have documented the perspective of children of parents with disabilities. Additionally, there have been a number of problematic research methods used in much of the prior research on individuals with disabilities. These include assumptions of pathology in children, overgeneralization of findings, and inappropriate causal claims. This dissertation aims to understand the predictors of positive outcomes in children of parents with disabilities in a national sample of young adults ages 17--21 who have parents with diverse disabilities. Specifically, this study examined the roles of family resources and support, socialization with families with disabilities, and perceived stigma as predictors of self-esteem and openness about parental disability. The results found that family resources and support and socialization with families with disabilities were positively correlated to self-esteem, and increased socialization with families with disabilities was correlated to greater openness about parental disability. Perceived stigma was negatively correlated to family resources and support, socialization with families with disabilities, and self-esteem. Additionally, perceived stigma and socialization with families with disabilities were significant predictors of self-esteem. Family resources and support and socialization with families with disabilities were significant predictors of openness about parental disability. None of the moderator analyses yielded significant results. Results from this study provide valuable information about social factors involved in positive outcomes in children of parents with disabilities, and can be utilized in the implementation of appropriate interventions and supports for families with disabilities. |
