Challenging the myths and redressing the missteps in family research

Families of children with disabilities have been the subject of a number of myths, some of which have been introduced and promulgated by researchers influenced by cultural norms that may incline them to ask questions in particular ways and which may result in the institutionalization of ideas and methods, rather than subjecting established beliefs and perspectives to scrutiny. Only relatively recently, for example, has the conviction that only negative consequences will be experienced by families with a child with a disability been challenged. Research questions and instruments or approaches must allow for positive experiences and outcomes. In addition, often family research has failed to recognize the importance of cultural differences. One example of this can be found in assumptions of the applicability of instruments used in family research across different cultural groups. The capacity of instruments to reflect the constructs being measured must be established before they can be used confidently across cultures. In addition, the relationships between constructs must be tested rather than assumed. Finally, before intervention programs or approaches that have been developed by one culture are adopted or applied to another, their fit with the attitudes, beliefs, and resources of the latter culture should be established.