ERIC Number: EJ1242799
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Feb
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0271-1214
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Structure and Function of Social Networks of Mothers of Young Children with Disabilities
Kilburn, Janice E.; Shapiro, Cheri J.
Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, v39 n4 p250-259 Feb 2020
The current exploratory study examines the structure and function of social support for mothers of very young children (under 24 months) with a range of disabilities who are receiving Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C early intervention services. The psychological well-being and social networks of 88 mothers in one state were assessed. Associations between network characteristics and maternal stress were found for the total network, along with a connection between lowered depression and concrete support from the spouse/partner and lowered stress and emotional support from professional helpers. This study mirrors some findings of similar studies of mothers with older children with disabilities but uniquely found spouse/partner support to be prominent. Implications for both research and early intervention practitioners are considered.
Descriptors: Social Networks, Mothers, Social Support Groups, Early Intervention, Disabilities, Equal Education, Educational Legislation, Federal Legislation, Well Being, Mental Health, Stress Variables, Depression (Psychology), Spouses, Anxiety, Toddlers, Developmental Delays, Correlation, Child Caregivers
SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Administration for Children, Youth, and Families (DHHS)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part C
Grant or Contract Numbers: 90CA1763
Author Affiliations: N/A