Predicting Psychological Well-Being of Mothers of Mentally Retarded Children Based on Perceived Social Support, Defense Styles and Self-Compassion

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to predict the psychological well-being of mothers of mentally retarded children based on perceived social support, defense styles, and self-compassion. The research design was a descriptive-correlational study and the methodology is basic in purpose. The statistical population included mothers of mentally retarded elementary school students in exceptional schools in the northern cities of Khuzestan province (Shoush, Andimeshk and Dezful) in the school year 2020-2021, among whom 120 mothers were selected through purposive sampling. The instruments were: Psychological Well-Being (RSPWB), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MSPSS), Defense Styles Questionnaire (DSQ), and Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Data analysis was performed using Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis with the method of simultaneous entry in SPSS-24 software. The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between psychological well-being and perceived social support, mature defense styles, and self-compassion, and a negative and significant relationship with neurotic and immature defense styles. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that 81% of the changes in psychological well-being were predicted by perceived social support, defense styles, and self-compassion. Based on the knowledge of the main factors affecting psychological well-being, planning and intervention measures can be taken to increase it and reduce problems.

Keywords

• mothers of intellectually disabled children
• psychological well-being
• perceived social support
• defense styles
• self-compassion