Options
Exploration of the different factors that contribute to family quality of life for parents with young children with developmental disability
Author
Ke, Joyce Yiyun
Supervisor
Poon, Kenneth K.
Abstract
Past research on quality of life has predominately focused on individual quality of life, and particularly quality of life of individuals with disabilities. Research centered on the quality of life on the family as a unit is few and limited. This is especially true in Singapore, where the number of cases of children with special needs have increased over the years. This study investigated the factors that contributed to family quality of life in families with a child with developmental disability and how early intervention services have improved family quality of life, leading to higher life satisfaction levels. Parents of three hundred and ninety-three young children with developmental disability were administered the Beach Center Quality of Life Scale (among other instruments) and asked to rate their satisfaction with the outcomes from the early intervention services provided to their child. Both child and family factors were examined, with family-unit factors contributing more significantly to family quality of life. The presence of a domestic helper did not contribute to family quality of life outcomes. This study sheds light on the satisfaction toward early intervention services encountered by families with young children with developmental disabilities and suggests ways to improve the service delivery for early intervention programmes in Singapore. Practical and theoretical implications of the findings were discussed and directions for future research were suggested.
Date Issued
2018
Call Number
HV901.S55 Ke
Date Submitted
2018