Parenting a child with a disability is a lifelong journey. The coping strategies utilized by parents impact the well-being of the family, especially the mothers. The purpose of this dissertation was to explore the maternal well-being of Latina and Anglo mothers who have a child with severe to profound disabilities. Predictive variables, such as positive perceptions, acculturation status, optimism, and risk and protective factors, were explored to determine the relationship to maternal well-being. Data on 282 caregivers of young adults with severe to profound intellectual disabilities were gathered longitudinally, and various measures, questionnaires, and field notes were used to address the primary research questions. Results revealed that Latina mothers had more positive perceptions than did their Anglo counterparts, even after controlling for demographic variables which differentiated the two groups. The significant predictors of maternal well-being were good to excellent health, positive perceptions, and being of Anglo descent. A path analysis revealed the risk and protective factors for both cultural groups to be challenging child behaviors, coping abilities, and partner support. These results were significant for the entire sample. However, when the groups were separated, the results revealed one significant predictor of maternal well-being for both Latina and Anglo mothers, challenging behaviors of the young adult with severe to profound intellectual disability. The findings of this study support the extant literature on positive perceptions for Latina mothers who have a young adult with severe to profound intellectual disabilities. Several of the research hypotheses were supported and implications for the findings are discussed. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]