Caring for children with learning disabilities who present problem behaviours: a maternal perspective.

Full Abstract

The theoretical cognitive model of stress and coping provides a structure to obtain and analyse maternal perceptions of caring for children with learning disabilities who present severe problem behaviours. The Family Fund database identified 18 families who met the sample criteria of children aged five years to 15 years with severe to moderate learning disability presenting severe problem behaviour. Physical aggression was reported to be the primary behavioural problem for 13 of the children. Interviews undertaken with the main carer of the child at their home were taped and transcribed. The data were analysed using grounded theory techniques which identified 'secondary stressors' for the parent. These were social isolation, conflict, limitation of lifestyle and self-blame. It is proposed that the amalgamated impact of these can weaken parents' coping resources and, therefore, may prove to be as significant to the negative association with maternal wellbeing as the problem behaviour.

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Author information

Author/s: Johnson, Robert F (RF); O'Reilly, Michelle (M); Vostanis, Panos (P);

Affiliation: Leicestershire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Leicester, UK.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Journal of child health care : for professionals working with children in the hospital and community (J Child Health Care), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Sep; vol 10 (issue 3) : pp 188-98

Dates: Created 2006/08/30; Completed 2006/11/03;

PMID: 16940342, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adaptation, Psychological
Adolescent
Attitude to Health
Child
Child Behavior Disorders - etiology; prevention & control
Child Care - methods; psychology
Child, Preschool
Conflict (Psychology)
England
Female
Guilt
Health Services Needs and Demand

Helplessness, Learned
Humans
Learning Disorders - complications; prevention & control
Life Style
Male
Models, Psychological
Mothers - psychology
Nursing Methodology Research
Questionnaires
Social Isolation
Social Support
Stress, Psychological - etiology; prevention & control

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