Coping with a child with Down syndrome: the experiences of mothers in Hong Kong.
Chinese mothers' experiences of parenting a child with Down syndrome were explored through semistructured interviews with 18 key informants selected by purposive sampling. Seven major themes were identified: unexpected birth of an abnormal child, acceptance of the child, special needs of the child, worry about the future, knowledge deficit, effect on the marital relationship, and social restrictions. The types of stressors changed over time according to the child's age, and coping strategies varied accordingly. Strategies frequently used were avoidance, self-reliance, and seeking social support. The particular problems faced by mothers of children with Down syndrome in Hong Kong were discussed in view of the sociocultural background of the region and the highly competitive nature of its society.
Lam
Lai-wah
LW
Department of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Mackenzie
Ann E
AE
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000739:Anecdotes as Topic; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017281:Cost of Illness; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D016487:Parenting / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D013240:Stereotyping; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000208:ethnology