Related Experiment Videos
Mothers with learning difficulties and their support networks.
1Family Support and Services Project, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, New South Wales, Australia. G.llewellyn@cchs.usyd.edu.au
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research : JIDR
|February 20, 2002
Summary
Mothers with learning difficulties often experience social isolation, relying heavily on family and services. Their support networks are primarily family- and service-centered, with limited connections to friends or neighbors.
Area of Science:
- Parenting and Social Support Research
- Disability Studies
- Community Health
Background:
- Mothers with learning difficulties are often socially isolated.
- Focus has been on parenting skills, not support systems.
- Understanding their support networks is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate support systems for mothers with learning difficulties.
- Explore types of support and sources.
- Analyze network composition and contact frequency.
Main Methods:
- Interviews with 70 mothers with learning difficulties.
- Used a support interview guide adapted for cognitive needs.
- Explored network quantity, composition, contact, and support type.
Main Results:
- Family members are central to mothers' lives.
- Service providers are key sources of information.
- Friends and neighbors are largely absent from support networks.
- Network structure varies by living situation (alone, with partner, with parent/figure).
Conclusions:
- Mothers with learning difficulties are not in a social vacuum but many are socially isolated.
- Limited ties with friends/neighbors indicate community isolation and potential vulnerability.
- Service providers should actively link mothers to their communities.