Specific Beliefs as Moderator Variables in Maternal Coping With Mental Retardation

Two coping resources, religiosity and locus of control, derived from a cognitive theory of coping were assessed in a sample of 140 mothers of retarded children Data analysis examined the relationship of these variables to measures of coping and to maternal demographic characteristics Results indicated that both religiosity and locus of control were related to maternal depression and well-being Mothers with a more internal locus of control reported less depression than other mothers did despite similar levels of physical incapacitation The same was true for mothers who reported greater religiosity.