"Circle of caring": a First Nations worldview of child rearing.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

For occupational therapy to be meaningful for all families who have a child with a developmental disability, the profession needs to consider and integrate into practice alternative and more inclusive epistemologies. A greater understanding and respect of a First Nations worldview may help reduce the risk of inadvertently perpetuating oppression and assimilation.

PURPOSE:

To describe raising a child with a developmental disability from the perspective of five members of the Lil'wat Nation.

METHODS:

Data were obtained from in-depth interviews and analysed using a constant comparative approach.

FINDINGS:

Within the category of family the subcategories identified were extensive support network, intergenerational learning and doing, and influence of the residential school system. Within the category of raising a child the subcategories identified were health and spirituality, causation beliefs, and a sense of knowing.

IMPLICATIONS:

Occupational therapists need to be cognizant of alternative worldviews on child rearing, family, and health that may differ significantly from their own personal and professional beliefs and practices.

• Authors: Alison Gerlach
• Journal: Canadian journal of occupational therapy. Revue canadienne d'ergotherapie (Can J Occup Ther) Vol. 75 Issue 1 Pg. 18-25 (Feb 2008) ISSN: 0008-4174 [Print] United States
• PMID: 18323364 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Canada
• Child, Preschool
• Cultural Characteristics
• Developmental Disabilities (ethnology, rehabilitation)
• Female
• Humans
• Indians, North American (psychology)
• Intergenerational Relations
• Interviews as Topic
• Male
• Occupational Therapy (methods, psychology)
• Social Support
• Spirituality