Physical and Psychological Adjustments Associated with Home and Family Management Problems of Selected Normal and Handicapped Homemakers
Physical and Psychological Adjustments Associated with Home and Family Management Problems of Selected Normal and Handicapped Homemakers
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Date
1963
Authors
Lacy, Julia Carter
Advisor
Lippeatt, Selma F.
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine some physical and
psychological adjustments associated with home and family management
problems of homemakers.
The hypotheses formulated were: (1) There is no significant difference
between the experimental and control groups either in the number of responses
made or the intensity of attitude expressed toward physical disability, homemaker's
role, family life, or life in general; (2) there is no significant
difference between paired subjects with respect to their attitude toward
these aforementioned factors; and (3) there is no correlation between the
duration of the disability and attitudes expressed toward these identical
factors.
The experimental group consisted of ten physically-disabled homemakers,
while the control group was comprised of ten normal ones, all
between the ages of twenty and fifty.
Personal interviews and case studies were utilized to collect data
concerning physical and psychological adjustments of test subjects. Two
somewhat structured interviews were conducted in the home of each subject.
Data were tabulated and treated statistically.
Major findings indicate that: (1) The two groups did not differ in
intensity of attitude toward selected aspects of personal and family life;
(2) paired test subjects were not significantly different in their attitudes
toward selected aspects of personal and family life; and (3) disabled homemakers
related the duration of disability to attitudes toward their disability
and selected aspects of personal and family living.
Two conclusions were drawn, namely: (1) Those homemakers who
reflected the greatest insight into educational opportunities for the handicapped
tended to reflect better understanding of inherent problems and to
have more wholesome attitudes toward life in general, and (2) disabled
homemakers were approachable in terms of assistance needed to strengthen
management practices, and sought resources available to them.
In light of the findings and conclusions, the following implications
for further study are identified: (1) Experimental use of specifically
trained management aides to implement multiple-purpose programs to assist
disabled homemakers; (2) experimentation to provide maximum help to
families confronted with temporary disability; and (3) investigation to
test for specific changes in attitudes in light of given conditions.
This study points up the nature and extent of problems faced by
disabled homemakers and their interest and concern for specific professional
help in their day-to-day living experiences.