The Role of the Family as a Support System

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Abstract

The family constitutes the cornerstone of any human social structure. For individuals with an intellectual disability, the family is essential for securing equality of opportunity for its members with disabilities and launching them toward economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and full participation in society. The purpose of the present study is to examine the role of the family in interpersonal relationships through the views of individuals with an intellectual disability in Greece. The research method involved the completion of questionnaires, and the participants were 140 individuals with intellectual disabilities from the age of fifteen and above. The results indicate that the family constitutes the most important support system for individuals with an intellectual disability and also enhances the development of friendship relationships of individuals with an intellectual disability.