Full metadata record
DC FieldValueLanguage
dc.contributorDepartment of Applied Social Studiesen_US
dc.creatorChow, Wai-keung Roy-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/2802-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic University-
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleThe cognitive coping strategies of the parents of adolescents with mental handicapen_US
dcterms.abstractFamilies of children with disabilities has long been regarded as experiencing more stress than the other families. The depiction of those families is usually that is vulnerable to the problems related to raising a child with a disability. However, according to my contact with those parents at work and some recent studies, the depiction is only one side of the coin. The other side of the coin is that caring for the persons with disabilities can be an experience of happiness and fulfillment, an experience of learning, a chance for personal growth and maturity, and some other positive attributes that may be construed from this negative event. It is expected that we may be able to learn more from the successful experiences and the strength of these families than from focusing on the problems of them. A qualitative research has been conducted to investigate what cognitive coping strategies that the parents of adolescents with mental handicap are using to adapt to this nonnormative event of life, i.e., raising a child with a disability. After analysing the data collected in the semi-structured interviews with nine respondents, some cognitive themes has emerged which are: gaining a sense of mastery, searching for meaning and purpose, enhancing self-esteem, and some core-beliefs. Beside those cognitive coping strategies that are contributory to the adaptation of the negative event, some other related components has also been identified. They are the parent-child relationship, social support, worries or difficulties, and attitudes towards the son with a disability. They are either contribute to a better adaptation of parenting a child with a disability or act as outcome components to certain extent reflecting adaptation. Cognitive coping is one of the many coping styles that may be helpful to persons in some situations and not the other situations. The understanding of the functions and nature of cognitive coping strategies will improve our work with families and counselling services. Lastly, the dissertation proposes some directions for further research.en_US
dcterms.extentvi, 85, [3] leaves ; 30 cmen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued1999en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Masteren_US
dcterms.educationalLevelM.A.en_US
dcterms.LCSHParents of children with disabilitiesen_US
dcterms.LCSHParent and teenageren_US
dcterms.LCSHAdaptability (Psychology)en_US
dcterms.LCSHAdjustment (Psychology)en_US
dcterms.LCSHHong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertationsen_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

Files in This Item:
File Description SizeFormat 
b1489709x.pdfFor All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only)2.74 MBAdobe PDFView/Open


Copyright Undertaking

As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:

  1. I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
  2. I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
  3. I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.

By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.

Show simple item record

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/2802