Perceived Social Support and Psychological Well-Being in Mothers of Learning-Disabled Children: A Comparative Study

Abstract

This comparative study explores the psychological wellbeing and perceived social support among mothers of children with learning disabilities (LD) in comparison to mothers of typically developing children. The study involves 80 mothers, with 40 having children with LD and 40 having typically developing children. Psychological wellbeing is measured using Ryff’s Psychological Wellbeing Scales, while perceived social support is assessed using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The results indicate a significant difference in psychological wellbeing between the two groups, with mothers of typically developing children reporting higher wellbeing scores. However, there is no significant difference in perceived social support between the two groups. Furthermore, a positive correlation is found between psychological wellbeing and perceived social support among mothers of children with LD, highlighting the importance of social support in enhancing their mental health. This study provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by mothers of children with LD and underscores the significance of social support in promoting their psychological wellbeing.