Mothers' involvement in early intervention for children with hearing loss: The role of maternal characteristics and context-based perceptions

This study examined the contribution of a model of maternal characteristics in explaining mothers' involvement in the early intervention of their 1- to 7-year-old children with hearing loss. The model of maternal factors affecting mothers' involvement in intervention comprised (a) four personal characteristics conceived as exogenous variables (anxiety, curiosity, anger, and motivation) and (b) two maternal context-based perceptions conceived as mediating variables (pessimism about their children's potentials and informal social support). The sample included 114 mother-child dyads (67 boys, 47 girls) who attended the Kesher early intervention program in Israel. Path analysis indicated a high fit between the theoretical model and the empirical findings. Discussion focused on understanding the unique value of mothers' characteristics for their involvement in their children's early intervention programs.