“SPECIAL” FAMILIES AND THEIR “NORMAL” DAILY LIVES: FAMILY QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT

  • Femke Boelsma Free University Amsterdam
  • Alice Schippers Free University Amsterdam
  • Menco Dane Free University Amsterdam
  • Tineke A. Abma Free University Amsterdam
Keywords: family, quality of life, qualitative research, social environment, acceptance, social inclusion

Abstract

This article focuses on the social and societal factors that influence family quality of life (FQOL). In this qualitative study from the Netherlands, a multiple case study design was used, in which members of families having a child or children with intellectual and developmental disabilities talked about their experiences during interviews. The data were analysed through a rigorous inductive thematic analysis. Our findings relate to the families’ experiences with their social environment and especially with the support they received. We argue that processes of acceptance and understanding play a role in FQOL. Also, we illustrate how the family members experience their interaction with the community, and how moral norms and values could influence the lives of the families. The families reflected on notions of normality and being different, and sometimes struggled with the implicit norms and values of society, which can impede acceptance and understanding by others. In turn, these norms and values influence the level of support from other people and the possibilities for social interaction with the community.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Metrics

Metrics Loading ...

Author Biographies

Femke Boelsma, Free University Amsterdam
Researcher, Department of Youth & Lifestyle, Institute of Health Sciences
Alice Schippers, Free University Amsterdam
General Director, Disability Studies in the Netherlands Foundation and senior researcher, Department of Medical Humanities
Menco Dane, Free University Amsterdam
Research Partner, Department of Medical Humanities
Tineke A. Abma, Free University Amsterdam
Professor, Participation & Diversity and Research Director, Department of Medical Humanities
Published
2018-12-04
How to Cite
Boelsma, F., Schippers, A., Dane, M., & Abma, T. A. (2018). “SPECIAL” FAMILIES AND THEIR “NORMAL” DAILY LIVES: FAMILY QUALITY OF LIFE AND THE SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT. International Journal of Child, Youth and Family Studies, 9(4), 107-124. https://doi.org/10.18357/ijcyfs94201818643