Evaluation of the self-concept of mothers with educable mentally retarded (EMR) children

Background and Birth of a mentally retarded child is a significant challenge in every family and is associated with the possibility of parental stress and depression. This study aimed to evaluate the self concept of mothers with educable mentally retarded (EMR) children.
This cross-sectional study was conducted on 40 mothers with EMR children in the only special primary school for these children in Aran & Bidgol city in Isfahan, Iran. Data were collected using self-concept questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Fisher’s exact test in SPSS V.13.
In this study, total score of the self-concept of mothers was 29.95±7.60, which was relatively desirable. In addition, a significant correlation was observed between the age of children (P=0.02) and family income status (P=0.01) with the scores of maternal selfconcept.
According to the results of this study, higher family income and increased age of EMR children are associated with higher self-concept of mothers. It is recommended that future studies be performed on larger sample sizes in this regard.