Balancing Priorities: British Bangladeshi Mothers' Perspectives on Functional Independence for their Disabled Children

Abstract

Introduction:

In Western cultures, functional independence is a highly valued concept. It is often utilized as an end goal by occupational therapists working with disabled children. However, little is known about how families from non-Western backgrounds view this concept. Research indicates that professionals frequently use their own understanding of independence to guide input. Without understanding non-Western parents' perspectives on functional independence, occupational therapists are at risk of providing inappropriate and irrelevant intervention.

Aim:

To understand British Bangladeshi mothers' perspectives on developing functional independence with their disabled children.

Method:

Semi-structured interviews with ten Bangladeshi mothers and a focus group of Bangladeshi professionals. Thematic data analysis was used to identify key themes from the participants' narratives.

Results:

Four key themes emerged: developing functional independence in typically developing children; importance of functional independence for disabled children; functional independence versus good care; and functional independence versus safety and protection.

Conclusion:

British Bangladeshi mothers want functional independence for their disabled children. However, this desire competes with other parenting values of ‘providing good care’ and ‘safety/protection’. The mothers balance these priorities but frequently choose care and safety. Understanding parental perspectives on functional independence is an important starting point for occupational therapists in providing culturally congruent care.