Personal resources of psychological well-being of mothers raising children with disabilities

Abstract

Introduction. In recent years, there has been a steady growth trend in the number of children with disabilities. Accordingly, the number of families raising such children is also increasing. The studies available show protracted crisis situation in these families, which negatively affects the psychological state and social activity of parents of children with disabilities, especially mothers, who, as a rule, fall into the risk group of psychological distress. This article presents the results of a study of the personal characteristics of women-mothers raising children with disabilities, which can contribute to maintaining their psychological well-being. The initial theoretical and methodological provisions for the research were, on the one hand, the works of modern psychologists, which reveal the essence of the phenomenon of psychological well – being and its structure, as well as identify its determining factors, including the individual's personal resources, and, on the other, conclusions regarding typical problems and psychological characteristics of parents raising children with developmental disabilities.Materials and Methods. The basis of the study was a comparative method using a set of methods for collecting factual data: “Scales of mental well-being” by K.Riff (modified by T.D.Shevelenkovo, P.P.Fesenko); “Type of role victimization” by M.A.Odintsova, N.P.Radchikova; “Cognitive orientation (locus of control)” by J.Rotter; “The scale of religious orientation” by G.Allport and D.Ross. The sample consisted of mothers of children with disabilities and disabilities – 107 people and mothers of children without disabilities and disabilities – 121 people.Results. It was found that, in comparison with the subjects of the control group, mothers of children with disabilities and disabilities have lower indicators of psychological well-being, while most of them are "victim" personalities, with an external locus of control and external or inconsistent religiosity. As important personal resources for the psychological well-being of women-mothers raising children with disabilities, a non-victim personality type, internal religiosity or orientation to other (non-religious) values are identified, the identification of which is thought to be a prospect for further research.Discussion and Conclusions. On the basis of the obtained data, the necessity of providing comprehensive medical and psychological assistance to women-mothers raising children with disabilities in order to optimize their personal resources and increase psychological well-being is proved.