Mothers' Perceptions of Family Climate in Families with a Retarded Child

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the family climate as perceived by the mothers of families with a retarded child compared with ‘regular’ families; mothers of 67 moderately mentally retarded and 69 non‐disabled children participated. Mothers with a mentally retarded child perceived the climate of their families as not encouraging such intense relationships in the area of expressiveness or as much personal growth in the areas of independence and recreation orientation as the contrast families. Results are discussed in terms of the theoretical significance of prolonged crises for the well‐being of the family, and practical implications.