title: A metasynthesis: mothering other-than-normal children.
abstract: The author used Noblit and Hare's 1988 comparative method of synthesizing qualitative studies to address the need for collective knowledge development related to mothering other-than-normal children. Twelve studies were included in a metasynthesis for a total sample of 79. The nature of the child's disability, demographics, and methodology used varied widely. Initially, 13 common themes were extracted using reciprocal translation. Further analysis revealed 4 steps common to the mothering experience under which themes were categorized. Suggestions for application to practice include keeping in mind qualities of a supportive health professional from the mothers' perspective, encouraging mothers to challenge societal definitions of normalcy, and recognizing the significance of hope in fueling maternal caregiving.
authors.affiliation: St. Joseph College, West Hartford, Connecticut, USA.
authors.forename: Antonia M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Nelson
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002654:Child Care / Q000523:psychology*; D003710:Demography; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D019988:Children with Disabilities; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology; D017008:Negotiating; D012944:Social Support