Comparing the Importance of Religious and Spiritual Beliefs and Practices Among Latinx Parents of Children with Disabilities

There is increased scholarly focus on the intersection of religious and spir­itual beliefs within Latinx populations; research has confirmed how both religion and spirituality can serve as protective factors for various stressors related to challenges posed by acculturation, and decrease health disparities (Janů et al., 2020; Koenig et al., 2012; Oxhandler & Pargament, 2014). Understanding the nuances of beliefs assists social workers in providing more holistic care, especially in working with vulnerable populations (Hodge, 2018; Koenig et al., 2012). Spiritual and religious beliefs/practices (SRBP) can be a helpful tool to employ when managing stressors related to caring for a child with a disability. Previous research has highlighted how beliefs may be a resource for Latinx parents caring for a child with a disability and has even looked at the relationship between specific disabilities (e.g., intellectual disability, ASD, developmental disabilities, etc.). However, research has failed to consider how the importance of SRBP in Latinx parents who have a child with a disability can vary based upon the type of disability (e.g., cognitive, physical, and emotional).

This presentation will identify differences between disabilities when looking at the importance of SRBP among Latinx parents. Data from 154 Latinx parents in the United States was collected from an online survey, and a multiple linear regression model was used with several predictor groups. SPSS was used to run descriptive statistics for both the dependent variable and independent variables included in the model. Predictors were then grouped based upon demographics, “Type of Disability”, “Stressors”, “Cultural Values” and “Protective Factors”. The full multiple-linear regression model was built with the naïve model (demographics with outcome variable) and the following consecutive models: model 2 (demographics, type of disability, and outcome variable), model 3 (demographics, type of disability, stressors and outcome variable), model 4 (demographics, type of disability, stressors, cultural values and outcome variable) and the full model, model 5 (demographics, type of disability, stressors, cultural values, protective factors and outcome variable).

Results indicated statistical significance between parents who have children with emotional disabilities and the importance of SRBP. In controlling for covariates in model 4, parents who had a child with an emotional disability were statistically significant for perceived stress, respeto, family supports, and spiritual/religious supports regarding the importance of SRBP for Latinx parents.

This presentation offers considerations for clinical practice in working with Latinx parents, including creating accessible resources, understanding the interaction between disability and SRBP, and increasing education regarding the development of emotional disabilities and mental health conditions (Boehm & Carter, 2019; Cohen & Miguel, 2018; Desai et al., 2016). In working with the parents who have a child diagnosed with an emotional disability, social workers may find success in developing rapport through integration of SRPB (Boehm & Carter, 2019; Skinner et al., 1999; Zhang & Rusch, 2005). Further, this presentation encourages social workers to advocate for Latinx religious/spiritual communities to create an intentional space for Latinx parents to exchange resources, discuss stressors and effective coping strategies to foster a sense of connectedness and mutuality.