The problem of social adaptation of the family of a child with severe psychophysical disorder

Abstract

The article is devoted to the identification and overcoming of the psychological problems of the family of a child with severe psychophysical disorder. According to our hypothesis, psychological difficulties prevent parents from taking advantage of opportunities, provided by Russian laws. The target group included 39 children with cerebral palsy in combination with severe mental retardation, and 46 adult family members (33 women, 7 men). The control group included 37 healthy children and 37 adult family members (30 mothers, 7 fathers). The methods of psychological and pedagogical examination of children, standard and original questionnaires for parents were applied. It is shown that the passivity of parents in the search for social support is caused by the uncertainty of their ideas about the future, a decrease in the level of meaningfulness of life, depressive states. Psychological assistance provided to parents during the study led to an increase in social adaptation of families. It was concluded that the support system for families with children suffering from severe psychophysical disorders should be complemented by social patronage and psychological monitoring.