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An examination of factors influencing the experience of stress in mothers of children with learning disabilities

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QuinSRP_2003redux.pdf (17.40Mb)
Date
2003
Author
Quin, Shona Robertson Patric
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Abstract
 
 
INTRODUCTION A unique inter-relationship exists between a child with learning disabilities and their environment. As the primary care giver, the mother of a child with learning disabilities is considered to experience significant stress in relation to caring for her child. This study investigates whether mothers of children with LD experience more stress than mothers of children without LD and identifies the exacerbating and moderating factors associated with the mother's experience of stress.
 
METHOD A total of 30 mothers of children with learning disabilities and 25 mothers of children without learning disabilities took part in the study. All participants lived in the Scottish Borders, a rural area with a population of 106 000. A questionnaire design was employed and data were collected during a semi-structured interview lasting approximately 30 minutes.
 
RESULTS Results found that mothers of children with learning disabilities reported significantly higher levels of stress than mothers of children without learning disabilities. The number of challenging behaviours displayed by their child and maternal depression significantly exacerbated their experience of stress, while the perceived helpfulness of social support networks was a moderating factor.
 
CONCLUSION In conclusion, therefore, mothers of children with learning disabilities were significantly more likely to experience stress than mothers of children without learning disabilities. Contributing factors included, challenging behaviour and maternal depression, and stress was moderated by the presence of social support networks. This study will inform clinicians of the difficulties inherent in bringing up a child with learning disabilities, especially in relation to stress experienced by the child's mother and the factors contributing to her experience. This in turn will inform clinicians that a child with 1 earning disabilities cannot be treated in isolation, and that services need to be arranged to meet the unique needs of each individual and their family.
 
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/1842/29957
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  • Health in Social Science thesis collection

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