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Marital strife, social support, and the development of mentally retarded toddlers
The birth of a mentally retarded child is a stressful experience for the family. Research exploring the differences between these families based on the child's developmental competence is sparse. This study examined marital strife and social support within two groups of retarded toddlers. Data were collected through observation, an interview, and questionnaires. The focus of marital agreement and disagreement differed between the groups, as did social support. However, birth order and family life cycle stage were found to be important confounding variables.
The birth of a mentally retarded child is a stressful experience for the family. Research exploring the differences between these families based on the child's developmental competence is sparse. This study examined marital strife and social support within two groups of retarded toddlers. Data were collected through observation, an interview, and questionnaires. The focus of marital agreement and disagreement differed between the groups, as did social support. However, birth order and family life cycle stage were found to be important confounding variables.