Perceived Changes in Self-Image and Coping Strategies of Mothers of Children with Disabilities

Abstract

Changes in the perceived self-images and coping strategies of mothers of children with special needs after they participated in a short-term occupational therapy intervention (Project Bien Estar) are discussed. We conducted focus groups to ascertain whether women's coping strategies and views of themselves had changed as a result of participation in the program. The results of this study found that participating in Project Bien Estar enabled participants to share their perceptions of their self-image such as feeling overwhelmed with their daily care routine, being socially isolated, losing their identity, and expecting less from their careers. Participants expressed that participating in the program helped them to feel strong, attractive, resilient, respected, and accepted. After participating in the program, they expressed they had gained coping skills such as increased ability to advocate for themselves and their child, more relaxed expectations about their responsibilities and what is needed to care well for their child, and increased self-care practices.

On duty all the time: health and quality of life among immigrant parents caring for a child with complex health needs

“…Mothers worldwide are the primary caregiver more often than fathers are, and are also more susceptible to strain, stress and depression and in greater need of social support (Helitzer et al . , Tsai & Wang ). However, gender equality is very high in Norway and many fathers are involved in childcare.…”

Leisure and Social Participation and Health-Related Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children with Autism

“…The constant "doing" characterizing the mothering occupation can deplete internal resources for "doing" to satisfy the occupational self (Helitzer, Cunningham-Sabo, VanLeit, & Crowe, 2002). For example, McGuire et al (2004) reported that the mothers in their study experienced confusion about selfidentity and that their role demands limited their participation in self-care, productivity, and leisure.…”

Community Participation Needs of Families With Children With Behavioral Disorders: A Systems of Care Approach

“…From another perspective, families use less proactive, cognitive reframing and ordinary social support strategies when stressors are perceived negatively (Nesteruk & Garrison, 2005) and families with children with behavioral disorders consistently cite their child's behavior as a persistent stressor (Bedell et al, 2005;Cronin, 2004;Donovan, VanLeit, Crowe, & Keefe, 2005;Helitzer, Cunningham-Sabo, VanLeit, & Crowe, 2002). Other research on the experience of raising children with behavioral disorders reveals that families feel isolated, frustrated, exhausted, and overwhelmed, and undergo stigma, grieving, and increased fragmentation in the quality of their occupations (Cronin, 2004;Donovan et al, 2005;Helitzer et al, 2002).…”