Spirituality as a coping method for mothers of children with developmental disabilities

Mothers of children with developmental disabilities suffer from tremendous stress and anxiety. These mothers may use religion and spirituality as coping mechanisms to help them adjust to changes emerging in their lives as well as to resolve problems. This study evaluated the spiritual needs of mothers of children with developmental disabilities and analyzed the effect of spirituality on their lives. This is a descriptive and qualitative study carried out at the School for Children with Mental and Physical Disabilities in Turkey. The study group consisted of the mothers of 28 children with developmental disabilities. The results of the study revealed four main themes: 'The journey to acceptance;' 'The meaning/purpose of life;' 'Concerns about the future;' and 'Coping strategies.' The results of the study showed that mothers of children with developmental disabilities in Turkey often use spirituality as a coping method. Using spirituality, they were able to handle the stress of their new lives. They began to see their children as giving meaning/purpose to their lives and experienced enhanced feelings of love/commitment. The mothers were most concerned about the fate of their children after the parents had passed away.