장애유형에 따른 장애아 어머니의 스트레스와 주관적 삶의 질

Stress and Quality of Life of Disabled Children’s Mothers According to the Children’s Disability Type

This study examined the relationship among stress and quality of life perceived by mothers of disabled children. Research questions were focused on whether the characteristics of disabled children bring differences on stress and quality of life perceived by mothers, and whether the different disability types impact differently on the stress and quality of life of mothers. Paper and pencil questionnaire survey was conducted with 266 mothers of disabled children age from 3 to 18. Data were analyzed with SPSS/WIN 10.0 program. Study results shows: first, stress concerning the future of the disabled child was the most pressing one among other stresses of mothers regardless of their children’s disability type. Second, Mothers’ quality of life according to their children’s disability type were in the order of mothers with physically disabled children, mothers with mentally retarded children followed by mothers of children with developmental disability. Third, family’s economic status brought differences in mothers’ stress across the three disability types of children with the severity of children’s disability. Finally, the stress level and perceived subjective quality of life of mothers manifested negative correlations. Policy implications included strengthening overall support systems for families with disabled children.