Personality characteristics of Greek mothers of children with special needs who are involved in special needs support centres

Abstract

It is generally accepted that support of the family is critical for effective intervention in the case of a child with special educational needs (SEN). The quality of this support highly depends on the personality characteristics and the mental health of the parents. It has also been argued that, because of the increased pressure and the strain of having to care for a child with SEN, the opportunity to learn from and share problems with other families is very beneficial. It is also essential to seek emotional support at times of crisis through the means of parent support groups. This empirical study focuses on the mothers' personality since they are more directly affected by their child's disability. The aim of the study was to examine whether participation in parent support groups and sharing with others the care of a child with SEN affect the self-esteem, the coping mechanisms and the depression of mothers with such children.