Evaluation of the self-concept of mothers with educable mentally retarded (EMR) children

Abstract

Background and Purpose: Birth of a mentally retarded child is a significant challenge in every family and is associated with thepossibility of parental stress and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the self-concept of mothers with educable mentally retarded(EMR) children.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 mothers with EMR children in the only special primary school for thesechildren in Aran & Bidgol city in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected using self-concept questionnaires. Data analysis was performedusing descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test in SPSS V.13.Results: In this study, total score of the self-concept of mothers was 29.95±7.60, which was relatively desirable. In addition, a significantcorrelation was observed between the age of children (P=0.02) and family income status (P=0.01) with the scores of maternal selfconcept.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, higher family income and increased age of EMR children are associated with higherself-concept of mothers. It is recommended that future studies be performed on larger sample sizes in this regard.