Parents of adults with disabilities responded to a questionnaire designed to assess aspects of positive and negative adaptation to parenting stress. The responses suggested an overall pattern of "bonadaptation" - personal growth in response to stress (McCubbin & Patterson, 1983). Parents reported use of various cognitive coping strategies and personal growth, including increased compassion, sympathy for others, flexibility, tolerance, and decreased selfishness. Professionals are encouraged to assume a balanced perspective on parental adjustment which includes recognition of both positive and negative outcomes.
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