Learning coping strategies in the narratives of young bloggers with SMA: The role of family, school, and community

Research objectives and problems: This study investigates how environmental contexts—family, school, and the social environment—shape the development of coping strategies among young bloggers living with SMA. The analysis focuses on turning points in their lives and the influence of significant others in learning to manage illness-related challenges. Research methods: The study employs a qualitative methodology grounded in hermeneutic phenomenology. Proxemic analysis (Walulik 2022) served as the primary analytical tool. Blog content was supplemented with semi-structured interviews with the authors, providing a broader understanding of their lived experiences. Process of argumentation: The article opens with an introduction outlining the conceptual motivations, research aims, and contextual background on SMA. It then describes the methodological framework, including the methods used, analytical techniques, characteristics of the research sample (five bloggers), and data sources (blog entries and interviews). A subsequent section discusses the main theories and key concepts, which is followed by an analysis of the empirical findings. The final section concludes with a summary and pedagogical implications. Research findings and their impact on the development of educational sciences: The findings underscore the importance of the environmental context. Family members, teachers, peers, professionals, and clergy emerged as influential figures supporting the development of both task-oriented and meaning-oriented coping styles. The study also highlights the value of blogs as research material, as they offer authentic insights into the daily experiences of individuals with SMA. These findings may inform and enrich the training of future professionals. Conclusions and/or recommendations: The study emphasizes the importance of developing coping competences among children and adolescents with disabilities while ensuring that parents do not fall into patterns of overprotection. Mechanisms such as modeling, resilience, and transgression play a key role in helping young people overcome their limitations.