Mothers of Adults with Mental Retardation: Is Race a Factor in Perceptions of Burdens and Gratifications?

The results of this research comparing the perceptions of burdens and gratifications of African American families and Caucasian caregivers of adult sons and daughters with mental retardation indicate that African American families are more likely to provide care within their homes. Regardless of in-home or out-of-home placement, however, African American mothers reported greater satisfaction and more intimacy with their sons and daughters with mental retardation and less burden and conflict than Caucasian mothers. Implications for social work practice and policy are suggested.