ERIC Number: EJ1292629
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2047-3869
EISSN: N/A
Spirituality as a Coping Method for Mothers of Children with Developmental Disabilities
Karaca, Aysel; Konuk Sener, Dilek
International Journal of Developmental Disabilities, v67 n2 p112-120 2021
Mothers of children with developmental disabilities suffer from tremendous stress and anxiety. These mothers may use religion and spirituality as coping mechanisms to help them adjust to changes emerging in their lives as well as to resolve problems. This study evaluated the spiritual needs of mothers of children with developmental disabilities and analyzed the effect of spirituality on their lives. This is a descriptive and qualitative study carried out at the School for Children with Mental and Physical Disabilities in Turkey. The study group consisted of the mothers of 28 children with developmental disabilities. The results of the study revealed four main themes: 'The journey to acceptance;' 'The meaning/purpose of life;' 'Concerns about the future;' and 'Coping strategies.' The results of the study showed that mothers of children with developmental disabilities in Turkey often use spirituality as a coping method. Using spirituality, they were able to handle the stress of their new lives. They began to see their children as giving meaning/purpose to their lives and experienced enhanced feelings of love/commitment. The mothers were most concerned about the fate of their children after the parents had passed away.
Descriptors: Mothers, Coping, Developmental Disabilities, Children, Stress Variables, Stress Management, Religion, Special Schools, Psychological Patterns, Foreign Countries, Emotional Response, Experience, Adjustment (to Environment), Spiritual Development
Taylor & Francis. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Turkey
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A