A Review and Some Considerations of Studies on Perspectives, Directions and Psychological Support for Mothers of Children with Severe Motor and Intellectual Disabilities

Severe motor and intellectual disabilities (SMID) can be fatal. This research identifies the direction of studies on psychological problems faced by mothers of children with SMID, and studies on clinical psychological support for them. Most investigations to date have focused on the acceptance of disabilities as a psychological characteristic of parents with handicapped children. Theories based on the concept of a stage model and chronic sorrow has been proposed. Psychological problems of parents with SMID children are (1) a critical period depending on the stage of life, (2) a strong sense of unity between the mother and her child, and (3) the intense sense of loss experienced by the mother after the death of the child. Psychological clinical support for mothers of SMID children has mainly focused on the confused period immediately following the diagnosis. It is recommended that future studies should focus on interventions in the critical periods of life, how to deal with death, and how to offer concrete support through practical psychotherapy