"Thanks to my child, I discovered that I am strong and I grew up with my child": Personal growth in mothers of children with Down syndrome in Turkey. (May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gokgoz, Cagla; Kabukcuoglu, Kamile
• Is Part Of: Research in developmental disabilities. Volume 124(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05
• Subjects: Mothering -- Personal growth -- Down syndrome -- Intellectual disabilities; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmentally disabled children -- Education -- Research -- United States -- Periodicals; Developmental Disabilities -- Periodicals; Disabled -- Periodicals; Mental Retardation -- rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Personnes atteintes de troubles du développement -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Enfants atteints de troubles du développement -- Éducation -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; Développement, Troubles du -- Recherche -- États-Unis -- Périodiques; 616.858800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104217
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0891-4222

Abstract

Abstract: This study aims to examine the impact of a Down syndrome diagnosis on mothers' experiences in Turkey and to understand how they construct their mothering in the context of personal growth despite the emotional and social difficulties they encounter. Grounded theory was used in this study. Data were taken from in-depth interviews with 15 mothers, and analysed using a systematic and hierarchical approach based on a constant comparative method. There also emerged three primary categories: reconstruction of mothering; factors affecting the process; and response to the changing life. The mothers explained that they experienced personal growth, such as feeling stronger, improving their ability to communicate, and becoming "closer to God". More cultural research is needed to explore the unique nature of the experiences and personal growth processes of mothers of children with Down syndrome. Highlights: Mothers of children with DS may experience personal growth. The coping strategies used by mothers were religious rituals and peer support. Mothers needed sufficient information, social and moral support. Interdisciplinary teamwork is required to recognise the difficulties.