Relation of social support to the self-perceptions of mothers with delayed children

This study examines the relations between the type and function of support networks and the self-perceptions of 63 mothers of young, disabled children. The mothers reported significantly more instrumental as well as emotional support from informal than formal networks. Satisfaction with support was related to the mother's sense of her parenting competence and her ability to balance multiple role demands. Mothers of more severely disabled children were less satisfied with the support received and had fewer friends or family upon whom they relied. Those with more family resources (such as a parenting partner or higher educational level) described using more formal supports. Community planning efforts for working with parents of disabled children may promote their clients' investment in and satisfaction with parenting by enhancing effective utilization of informal support networks.