Mental health and marital adaptation among mothers of children with cerebral palsy

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2001 Jul;71(3):358-67. doi: 10.1037/0002-9432.71.3.358.

Abstract

Employing a theoretical model that emphasizes risk-resistance factors for maternal adaptation, this study compared 80 mothers of children with cerebral palsy to 80 mothers of children without physical disabilities. Results revealed differences between the two groups, and indicated that, among mothers of children with cerebral palsy, self-esteem, self-mastery, and family network size were the main variables that contributed to mothers' psychological and marital adaptation.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adult
  • Cerebral Palsy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disabled Children*
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Marriage / psychology*
  • Mental Health*
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Self Concept
  • Stress, Psychological / diagnosis
  • Stress, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires