Faculty Abstracts

Parents of Children With Asthma: An Examination of Family Hardiness, Family Stressors, and Family Functioning

Eileen Donnelly, PhD, RN

As the incidence, severity, and mortality associated with asthma has risen, the numbers of families caring for children has grown.  This study used a descriptive correlational design to examine relationships among family hardiness, family stressors, and family functioning in families of children with asthma using the Resiliency Model of Family Stress,  Adjustment and Adaptation.  The Family Hardiness Index, Family Stress Index, and FACES II instruments were completed by 27 parents of children with asthma.  Correlations were found to be significant.  Family type was also determined.