Family Subtyping and Early Intervention

Abstract

Abstract The goal of the study was to identify and differentiate subgroups among mothers whose infants were diagnosed as having a developmental disability. The sample consisted of 80 mothers from intact families whose infants had such diagnoses, most of whom were diagnosed with Down syndrome. All mothers were receiving early intervention services. Acknowledging the mothers’ heterogeneous reactions to their situation, the study attempted to identify discrete family profiles, based on mothers’ sense of coherence as a measure of personal strength and family cohesion as a measure of systemic support. Four family subtypes were identified. The authors examined experiences of stress, coping, and affect among these subgroups. Significant differences emerged among these four subgroups in mothers’ stress experience, as well as their negative and positive moods. Relations between mothers’ strengths and their needs are discussed as related to the early intervention program.