Table 2.

Factors affecting family adaptation

Predictors of Positive Family Adaptation

Predictors of Family and Caregiver Risk

•  Family cohesion and flexibility •  Ability to reorganize and balance demands of the illness with family needs and responsibilities •  Clear family boundaries •  Open and effective communication •  Active coping •  Strong spiritual belief system •  Ability to seek social support from extended family, church, work place, community

•  Lone parenting with limited social support •  Estranged or chronically conflicted relationships •  Marital discord •  Pre-existing medical and/or psychiatric problems •  Socioeconomic vulnerabilities (unemployment, transportation, insurance) •  Limited access to support •  Cultural and language barriers, rigid religious belief system •  Lack of consensus re: research, aggressive care •  Climate of secrecy