Document Type

Student Research Paper

Date

Spring 2022

Academic Department

Occupational Therapy

Faculty Advisor(s)

Dr. Gina Fox

Abstract

In the United States, 6.2% of the parent population is comprised of individuals with disability, which equates to 4.1 million parents (Lampe et al., 2019; Pituch et al., 2020). Parenting, a meaningful role for millions of individuals, can increase life satisfaction and happiness, however, people with physical disabilities face harsh barriers preventing them from successfully participating in this role (Farber, 2000; Lampe, et al., 2019; National Council on Disability [NCD], 2012; Pituch et al., 2020)

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system and affects almost one million individuals in the United States today and can disrupt daily participation in the parenting role (Aparecida et al., 2019; Desborough, 2020; Multiple Sclerosis, 2021). Often the role of parenting is under addressed, particularly in individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (Lakin et al., 2021; Lampe et al., 2019). Healthcare professionals such as occupational therapists have a duty to provide a holistic approach to the variety of environments and contexts in which individuals participate, including parenting (American Occupational Therapy Association [AOTA], 2020).

Notes

Honors Senior Thesis; Honors in the Discipline

Share

COinS