Quality of Life for Families with a Child with a Chronic Behavioral Disability

Family Quality of Life (FQoL) describes how individuals perceive their family well-being and family functioning within their community. For families of children with behavioral disabilities, FQoL is not only impacted by conventional aspects of family life including security, housing status, financial stability, and community involvement, but also facets of life associated with the child. The purpose of this phenomenology study was to understand the lived experience of couples and families with children aged 8-13 with chronic behavioral disorders. Eight mothers participated in semi-structured interviews regarding FQoL. Rigorous data analysis resulted in five themes: Family life disrupted!, Couples disconnected, Meaningfulness of the ordinary, School influence on family life, and Help! Need for support and services. Family quality of life is a complex phenomenon made more complicated when raising a child with a behavioral disorder. To provide effective interventions for these children, practitioners should consider this complexity and the resultant needs of the family.