WAYS OF COPING WITH STRESS AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AMONG MOTHERS OF CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

Aim: The objective of this study was to determine levels of perceived social support and ways of coping with stress in mothers of children with intellectual disability. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted with mothers of children with intellectual disability who were registered in two vocational training centres. The descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 84 mothers of children with intellectual disability. Data were collected the Scale of Ways of Coping with Stress, and with the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Results: It was found that as support from friends, significant others, and total perceived social support increased in mothers of children with intellectual disability, the use of effective ways of coping with stress increased (p<.05). As the children’s age increased, the mothers’ use of effective methods for stress increased (p<.05). Mothers who had boys and difficulties regarding the future had low levels of perceived social support (p<.05). Conclusion: Social support provided by friends or significant others was important for coping with stress effectively in mothers of children with intellectual disability.