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Exploring the Lived Experiences of Mothers of Children With Intellectual Disability in Ghana

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  • Mabel Oti-Boadi

Abstract

This study explored the experiences of mothers of children with intellectual disability in Ghana. Specifically, the study sought to determine the challenges and coping strategies associated with raising a child with intellectual disability. Using the phenomenological approach, 11 mothers were purposively selected from mothers whose children attended a “special†school. Semistructured interviews were used to collect data on the experiences of mothers of children with intellectual disability. Data were analyzed and interpreted into six themes including emotional reactions, caregiving challenges, societal reactions, knowledge of the condition, perceived cause of the condition, and coping strategies. The findings of the study demonstrate that being a mother of a child with intellectual disability is beset with several negative experiences of stress; however, mothers recounted the valuable nature of their coping strategies including spiritual beliefs, support, and hope in raising their children with intellectual disability. This study highlighted the challenging nature of having a child with intellectual disability and the beneficial roles of coping strategies in helping mothers traverse the caregiving journey with their children. This study provides relevant information for mental health practice, policy, and research, and serves as a guide in developing intervention programs for parents of children with intellectual disability in Ghana.

Suggested Citation

  • Mabel Oti-Boadi, 2017. "Exploring the Lived Experiences of Mothers of Children With Intellectual Disability in Ghana," SAGE Open, , vol. 7(4), pages 21582440177, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sagope:v:7:y:2017:i:4:p:2158244017745578
    DOI: 10.1177/2158244017745578
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Green, Sara E., 2003. ""What do you mean 'what's wrong with her?'": stigma and the lives of families of children with disabilities," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(8), pages 1361-1374, October.
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    1. María Inmaculada Fernández-Ávalos & María Nieves Pérez-Marfil & Rosario Ferrer-Cascales & Francisco Cruz-Quintana & Violeta Clement-Carbonell & Manuel Fernández-Alcántara, 2020. "Quality of Life and Concerns in Parent Caregivers of Adult Children Diagnosed with Intellectual Disability: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-19, November.
    2. Tekola, Bethlehem & Kinfe, Mersha & Girma, Fikirte & Hanlon, Charlotte & Hoekstra, Rosa A., 2020. "Perceptions and experiences of stigma among parents of children with developmental disorders in Ethiopia: A qualitative study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 256(C).
    3. Julia Jansen-van Vuuren & Rosemary Lysaght & Beata Batorowicz & Solomon Dawud & Heather Michelle Aldersey, 2021. "Family Quality of Life and Support: Perceptions of Family Members of Children with Disabilities in Ethiopia," Disabilities, MDPI, vol. 1(3), pages 1-24, August.

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