Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 1 of 1
Coping and positive perceptions in Irish mothers of children with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- GREER Felicity A., GREY Ian M., MCCLEAN Brian
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 10(3), September 2006, pp.231-248.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
Thirty-six mothers of children aged between 5 and 8 years with intellectual disabilities completed five self-report questionnaires measuring variables related to behavioural and emotional difficulties, levels of care demand, family supports, coping and positive perceptions. The relationships among these variables were investigated using a working model proposed by Hastings and Taunt (2002). Child behavioural and emotional problems in the non-clinical range predicted low levels of care demand. Formal social support was an effective form of support for mothers; helpfulness of formal social support predicted mobilizing the family to acquire and accept help in the community; and mobilizing the family predicted levels of strength and family closeness. The majority of respondents rated agreement with statements that their child was: a source of happiness or fulfilment; a source of strength and family closeness; and a source of personal growth and maturity. The theoretical and clinical implications of these results are discussed.