• 304 (TC4A-1) Down Syndrome and Fathering: An Exploration of Ambiguous Loss. Presented by: Gail E. Bentley, Anisa M. Zvonkovic, Nicole Springer, and Michael McCarty

• 304 (TC4A-2) Introducing the Family Capital Theory of Role Exchange. Presented by: Cathlene H. Hansen and Kathleen R. Gilbert

Abstracts     

304 (TC4A-1) Down Syndrome and Fathering: An Exploration of Ambiguous Loss.

Presented by: Gail E. Bentley, Anisa M. Zvonkovic, Nicole Springer, and Michael McCarty

This study utilized Ambiguous Loss theory to explore attitudes of hope and satisfaction, as well as coping behaviors, of fathers of children with Down syndrome. A person oriented mixed methods approach identified three clusters. The tenets of ambiguous loss were used to understand the group differences of the fathers in these clusters as they gave meaning to their lived experiences. Fathers expressed the ambiguity inherent in loving the child they had, while mourning the life they had anticipated. The Hoping cluster was action oriented. The Connecting cluster engaged in outreach activities, and the Thriving cluster reframed and embraced life.

304 (TC4A-2) Introducing the Family Capital Theory of Role Exchange.

Presented by: Cathlene H. Hansen and Kathleen R. Gilbert

The Family Capital Theory of Role Exchange (FACTRE) is meant to guide family members, researchers, healthcare workers, therapists and policymakers when deciding how to best help families raising children with disabilities. As the social policy of “best practices” has shifted from institutionalized care of children with severe disabilities to caring for them at home, many families find themselves left without the necessary resources to effectively provide for this extraordinary parenting responsibility. There are greater parenting burdens financially, emotionally, socially, and medically than in raising typically developing children and the families are often left to navigate this new experience alone.