The Relationship between Mindfulness and Perceived Social Support and Mental Health in Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability

Approximately 10% of world populations are suffering from disabilities, nearly one third of whom are children. Mindfulness and perceived social support have significant roles in improving the mental health of retarded children’s mothers. The present study was carried out to determine the significance of the relationship between mindfulness, perceived social support and mental health of retarded children's mothers.
The present study is correlational. The study population consisted of all mothers of children with intellectual disabilities, who were referring to childcare for children with such disabilities in Kashan. Using cluster sampling method, 80 mothers were selected and were tested by Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), the Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory (FMI) and Goldberg General Health questionnaire.
The results showed that there is a significant relationship between mindfulness, social support with mental health in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities.
According to the results of this research, mindfulness and perceived social support predict mental health. Thus, by strengthening the social support and mindfulness training, the mental health of the mothers of children with intellectual disabilities can be improved and their mental disorders can be prevented.