Behavior Problems among Children of Mothers with Mild Intellectual Disability: The Role of Maternal Sensitivity, Trauma History, and Intelligence

Abstract

Children of parents with intellectual disability (ID) are at risk of behavior problems, but few studies have systematically examined contributions from caregiving behavior and contextual factors. This cross-sectional matched comparison study examined whether the children display elevated behavior problems, and analyzed contributions from maternal sensitivity and maternal experiences of abuse, trauma and maltreatment (ATM). The roles of maternal and child intelligence were also examined. Participants were 26 mothers with mild ID and their children (mean age = 79 months; 58% boys), and 26 socioeconomically matched comparison dyads. Child behavior problems were assessed with maternal ratings, maternal sensitivity with structured observations, and maternal experiences of ATM with semi-structured interviews. Maternal intelligence was measured with a subtest from Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales (WAIS-III), and child intelligence with the IQ-screen in Leiter-R. Children of mothers with ID had higher ratings on psychosomatic, anger, hyperactivity, and total problems, but not on anxiety. Sensitivity was negatively associated with anger, hyperactivity, and total child behavior problems. Maternal ATM was positively linked to child anger problems. Maternal intelligence was unrelated to child behavior problems, but low child intelligence marginally predicted behavior problems. Inclusion and equity for parents with ID and their children require that clinical practice boost sensitivity, especially among parents who have experienced ATM.