A study on the turkish mother`s perception of a child with down syndrome and her social adjustment

Authors : D TürkdoganSozüer, F Aydınoglu, D Daryal, A Turan, MM Özek

Pages : 156-160

View : 32 | Download : 8

Publication Date : 1998-07-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objective: This investigation is designed to examine the needs and concerns of the mothers, and the variables that influence their acceptance of their Down Syndrome insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(DS); children, perception, attitudes and social adjustment. Methods: Thirty-two mothers insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(aged 23-50 years); who graduated from primary school insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(16 cases);, high school insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(11 cases); or university insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5 cases); were included. The questionnaire survey that contained three parts of 72 questions was given to the mothers. Results: The initial feelings when the mothers first learned of their children`s condition were regret for the child and/or themselves insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(78%);, disbelief and shock insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(59%);, disappointment insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(44%);, guilt insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(19%); and/or anger insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(16%);. These feelings were not related to the mothers’ educational level insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p>0.05);. Twenty-six insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(81%); of the mothers with different educational levels succeeded in accepting their child and his/her disability after they attributed the responsibility of misfortunes to `God`s will/fate` or genetic causes. The number of spouses who easily accepted their children`s condition was higher than that of those who experienced difficulties in accepting insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.04);. Eighty-five percent of the mothers believe that Turkish people generally understand their feelings and their child’s condition insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(p<0.001);. The primary concern of the mothers about their children is fear of the future. The majority of the mothers expect the support of the state for their disabled children`s needs such as education and employment. Conclusion: This study showed similarities in the experiences of the mothers with different educational levels in many aspects such as their emotion, reactions and expectations. The first step for planning of any support is the acceptance of the child with DS at all levels; parents, professionals, government and society.
Keywords : Down syndrome, Quality of life

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