Perceived Support Among Iranian Mothers of Children with Learning Disability

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of perceived support by Iranian mothers who have children with learning disability. Twelve open interviews with six mothers of learning-disabled children (7-12 years of age) were audiotape-recorded with participants' consent. The interviews were transcribed and data were analyzed using Van Manen methodology. Two major themes emerged from 138 thematic sentences. The mothers'experiences could be interpreted as a sense of being in the light or being in the shade of support, with variations for different participants. The results indicate a need for more specialized and individually adjusted support for mothers in Iran.

Spiritual experiences of family members to cope with the challenges of childhood disability: A Qualitative study in Iran

“…Most of these adaptations are also observed in families of children with cancer. [ 15 ] Godress et al . said that these types of feelings are physiological responses of family members to make adjustment with negative effects of the family member disability.…”

“…[ 13 ] A mother is a person who changes her life for children and usually she is the first caregiver of her children. [ 15 ] A phenomenological research by Barbosa et al . about mothers' experience showed that the disability of child may cause grievous process and conflicts for mothers so they feel they are not prepared for being a mother.…”