Positive and negative affect among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities

This study examined positive and negative affect among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities, as explained by maternal and family vulnerability and protective resources. These resources comprised the mother's avoidant/active coping strategies, stress, sense of coherence, and hope, as well as the family's cohesion and adaptability. The sample comprised 199 mothers of children with intellectual disabilities: 95 mothers with infants participating in an early intervention programme and 104 mothers with children with moderate intellectual disabilities participating in a respite care programme. Preliminary analyses indicated two significant differences between the mother groups: maternal feelings of stress and maternal perception of family's adaptability. Findings delineated the contribution of mothers' level of stress and sense of coherence, and also supported hypotheses concerning the differential predictive role of maternal and familial resources in explaining mothers' affect. Results were discussed in terms of maternal and familial vulnerability and protection factors.