Manyoftheexistingstudiesoffamilystressandcopinghold that the effects of life events and strains contribute to psychological distress. There is an implicit untested assumption in much of the existing research on the deficit model of its epidemiological significance. In general, these studies demonstrate that the greater the exposure to a life event, the higher the risk of psychological distress and development of illness. However, there is both research and clinical evidence that many families adapt successfully to the presence and care of a chronically ill child and demonstrate healthy adaptation in spite of the increased demands and strains (McCubbin 1989, Kazak & Nachman 1991, Patterson & Garwick 1994). The
resiliency model of family stress, adjustment and adaptation (McCubbin & McCubbin 1993) is especially useful for examining both the impact of chronic illness potential to contribute to adaptation of the family and the resources and coping pattern in the family that facilitate family well-being.