Study Proves Mothers of Children with Intellectual
Study Proves Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disabilities Require More Moral Support A study published in the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research in 2005 determined to discover how mothers cope with children who have intellectual disabilities. While the study is dated, its results stand the test of time. The study aimed to discover if a mother of a child with ID fared better or worse with praise and support. Were her decisions better with support, and were her stress levels different? The study reviewed 46 mothers of children with ID. Two tools of measurement were used by interview: The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and the Maladaptive Behavior Domain. Mothers voluntarily completed four questionnaires: the Family Support Scale, the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale, the Parental Locus of Control Scale, and the Parenting Stress Index. The study reviewed how family support helped mothers deal with the stress of raising a child with ID. The main points of study were self-esteem and locus of control for the parent. The results were astounding. It was found that mothers who had more family support showed higher self-esteem and a better locus of control. Using the Pearson’s correlation coefficients, partial correlations and regression analysis, the results showed that stress was directly related to family support. Those with more family support had signs of less stress, showed more focus in the child’s daily care, and had better self-esteem. The study proves what holds true today. A support system greatly improves the mental health of a parent caring for a disabled child. Vancouver Home Health Care Agency can help find that support group for any patient in need. At Vancouver Home Health Care Agency, Caring and Compassion is our business.