The Assessment of Competence in Families With a Retarded Child

This article presents empirical data and summary interpretations derived from systemic observations and structured interviews of 30 families with retarded children. Ten volunteer families in each of three groups-based on age of the retarded child (6-8, 12-14, and 18-21)-were observed by trained raters, using the Beavers-Timberlawn Family Evaluation Scales and Family Style rating scales, and compared with nonclinical families without handicapped children. Family reports from the 45-min interviews were also collected in regard to feelings about the family's adaptation to the child and available support systems. Results indicate that most families were functioning well overall, despite speculations in older clinical literature about chronic family dysfunction. The older the retarded child, the more competent the family pattern; families with 6- to 8-year-old retarded children (school-entry age) and male retarded children were more dysfunctional. Consistent with research on family competence, the expression of such feelings as sorrow and disappointment was associated with better overall functional level of these families.