Family Functioning and Resilience among Children with Sensory Disabilities in Enugu State: Moderated Mediation of Achievement Motivation in Special Interests across Perceived Social Acceptance Levels

Abstract

The family system influences the development of individuals, including adaptive
functioning such as resilience. Resilience is crucial for children with sensory disabilities
to thrive amidst daily challenges. It is pertinent to understand the factors that promote
resilience. This study, therefore, examined the role of achievement motivation in special
interests as a mediating mechanism linking family functioning to resilience, while
examining perceived social acceptance as a moderator of direct relationship. A cross-
section of 120 children with sensory disabilities (blindness or deafness) aged 6 to 12
years, selected through purposive sampling, participated in the study. Data was
obtained using standardized questionnaires, and Hayes’s PROCESS macro, version 5.0
model 5, was used in data analyses. The results showed that more functional family
systems are associated with higher achievement motivation (β FF-AM=1.321), which,
in turn, significantly mediates the effect on resilience ((β AM-R=0.262). High levels of
social acceptance moderated the direct effect of family functioning on resilience
(β simple = 1.3322, p < 0.001; 95 % CI [0.4520, 2.2123]). In conclusion, family functioning
enhances resilience through achievement motivation, and the direct effect of family
functioning on resilience is contingent on social acceptance. Interventions for children
with sensory disabilities to enhance resilience should focus on improving family
functioning.