Caregiving Perceptions of Chinese Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability in Hong Kong

Background In this study, we tested the effects of three different coping strategies (i.e. problem‐focused, emotion‐focused and relationship‐focused coping) on both positive and negative caregiving perceptions. Materials and Methods Two hundred and twelve Chinese mothers of children with intellectual disability from a major non‐governmental organization were recruited across various districts in Hong Kong. Chinese versions of the Daily Caregiving Stress Scale, Modified Family Support Scale, COPE Inventory, Relationship‐Focused Coping Scale, Caregiver Burden Inventory, and subscales of the Kansas Inventory of Parental Perceptions were completed. Results: Findings of the hierarchical regression analyses indicated that whereas problem‐focused and emotion‐focused coping was differentially related to positive and negative perceptions, respectively, relationship‐focused coping was significantly related to both types of perceptions. Results of the relationship between positive and negative perceptions showed preliminary support for their orthogonality. Conclusions: Relationship‐focused coping was found to be more suitable for understanding caregiver perceptions within collectivistic cultures. Implications for professional services were discussed.