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Dissertation
The influence of physical therapists' attitudes, child's motor ability, and parenting stress on mothers' perceptions of family-centered care in early intervention
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
May 1999
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00009289
Abstract
This research project consists of three studies each examining components of the interpersonal aspects of care in early intervention. Rationale for this research is found in current health care, public policy, and pediatric physical therapy trends. The first study presents a research model to examine the influence of physical therapists' attitudes, child's motor ability, and parenting stress on mothers' perceptions of family-centered early intervention physical therapy. Twenty-five physical therapists and 75 mother-child dyads participated in this study. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated that parenting stress was the strongest determinant of mothers' perceptions of family-centered care. Therapists' attitude was a determinant to a lesser degree and child's motor ability was not a determinant of mothers' perceptions of care. The second study examined physical therapists' attitudes towards family-centered care and factors in clinical decision making. Twenty-five physical therapists working in early intervention participated. Results indicated that therapists had strong, positive attitudes towards family-centered care. Therapists considered child characteristics to be the most important category when determining frequency and duration of physical therapy services. Findings on clinical decision making suggest that therapists use a child-focused approach when determining levels of service. The third study examined the influence of child and early intervention factors on parenting stress for mothers of children receiving early intervention physical therapy. This study also examined the relationship between parenting stress and mothers' perceptions of family-centered physical therapy and the relationship between parenting stress and mothers' overall satisfaction with physical therapy. Eighty mother-child dyads participated. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated that a child factor was a significant determinant of child-related parenting stress and an early intervention factor was a significant determinant of parent-related parenting stress. Results of correlation analyses indicated a significant, inverse relationships between mothers' perceptions of family-centered care and child-related parenting stress and a significant, inverse relationship between satisfaction and child-related parenting stress. Overall, mothers had very positive perceptions of family-centered early intervention physical therapy and therapists had very positive attitudes towards family-centered care. Mothers were very satisfied with physical therapy. Findings suggest that therapy may be a protective factor for child-related parenting stress.
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Details
- Title
- The influence of physical therapists' attitudes, child's motor ability, and parenting stress on mothers' perceptions of family-centered care in early intervention
- Creators
- Margaret E. O'Neil
- Contributors
- Robert J. Palisano (Advisor) - Drexel University, Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University (1993-1996, 1998-2002)
- Awarding Institution
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- xi, 214 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University (1993-1996, 1998-2002); School of Health Professions (1998-2000); Rehabilitation Sciences/Physical Therapy [Historical]
- Other Identifier
- 991021888786404721