Positive aspects of coping among mothers of adolescent children with developmental disability in the Druze community in Israel

ABSTRACT

Background The purpose of this study was to compare perceptions of coping as experienced by 240 mothers of adolescents with and without developmental disability in the Druze community in Israel.

Method The mothers completed the Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Grandparents Functional Support Assessment, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales, and the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory.

Results Both groups were found to be similar in their perception of family cohesion and emotional support. However, mothers of adolescents with a developmental disability reported higher rates of both adaptability to change and personal growth. Moreover, associations were found between family cohesion and adaptability to change and support, and between adaptability to change and social support and personal growth.

Conclusion Druze mothers of adolescents with developmental disability reveal important information regarding positive coping strategies.

KEYWORDS:

• positive coping
• mothers
• adolescents
• developmental disability
• Druze community