Double Abx Model Of Family Stress

In an effort to understand the experiences of mothers raising children with Cerebral palsy more especially after the diagnosis, the Double ABCX model will be utilized as a framework to provide such understanding. This model is based on the family stress theory and adaptation (Plunkett, 1997).

2.4.1. OVERVIEW OF THE DOUBLE ABCX MODEL OF FAMILY STRESS

The original ABCX Model was developed by a sociologist named Reuben Hill in 1958. According to Plunkett (1997) the ABCX model proposed that variation in the extent to which families and their members experience what he termed ‘’crisis’’ (the X factor) that resulted from family stress, depended upon a combination of the particular details of the stressor event (the A factor), the social, psychological

According to Burr, (2003) adaptation does not mean that disorganization or change in the system have not occurred, it only means that the system has resumed its routine level of operation after having to cope with change. McCubbin & Patterson, (1983) explain that family adaptation is a continuous variable, ranging from maladaptation to bonadaptation. Maladaptation is defined as the negative end of the continuum, which is the imbalance between the pile up of demands and the family 's capabilities for meeting those demands. It is often may characterized by deterioration of family integrity, of family members ' sense of well-being, and of their physical or psychological health. McCubbin & Patterson (1983) describes Bonadaptation as the positive end of the continuum which is the minimal discrepancy between the pile-up of demands and the family 's capabilities, so as to achieve a balance in family

It becomes a stressful event in the sense that the mother’s life equilibrium becomes disturbed and results in the additional pile of other stressors such as financial problems, social problems, and psychological distress. When this model is applied to lives of mothers of children with cerebral palsy, the severity of the stressor relates well to the level or the type of cerebral palsy, the challenging behaviour. When a child is born with a chronic condition such as cerebral palsy which is incurable and permanent in nature, such event increases the mother’s vulnerability to stressors. Although some mothers are at risk for facing many challenges, there are also mothers who cope positively and find it easier to adapt to this stressful event. Therefore, the findings of this study are likely to show that many mothers of children with cerebral palsy are faced with many challenges in life. The study may also find out that certain mothers are able to adopt well to stress after their child is diagnosed with cerebral