장애아동 어머니의 양육스트레스, 장애수용정도 및 사회적 지지가 삶의 만족도에 미치는 영향

The Effect of Life-Satisfaction in Mothers Rearing Children with Disabilities:Parenting Stress, Disability-Acceptance, and Social Support

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect mothers’ parenting stress, disability-acceptance, and social support have on their life satisfaction. The participants were 114 mothers residing in Seoul with a child aged 3-12 years who had one of encephalopathy, autistic spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson s correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression controlling socio-economic status. The results were as follows: First, life satisfaction in mothers of children with disabilities was found to be a little below average. But their parenting stress was greatly above average, requiring professional interventions. Both their disability-acceptance and social support were slightly above average. Second, their life-satisfaction was found to be negatively affected by parenting stress but positively affected by disability-acceptance. Their social support was not proven to influence on their life-satisfaction. In conclusion, life satisfaction of the mothers rearing children with disability was influenced by parenting stress and disability acceptance. Professional interventions to reduce their parenting stress and to promote their disability-acceptance were recommended.