The Relationship between Religiosity and Social Support with Coping Styles in the Mothers of Children with Special Needs

Studying factors associated with coping resources of mothers of exceptional children who are exposed to stress is very important. This study examined the role of religiosity and social support and coping styles in mothers of exceptional children. This was a descriptive-correlational study and its population were all mothers and children from the city of Astara. Data were collected from 67 patients who were selected by convenience sampling. To collect data, the Religiousness, Coping Strategies and Social Support questionnaires were used. The collected data were analyzed through Pearson correlation and multiple regression. The results showed that there was a relationship between religiosity and coping with stress. Also, the relationship between social support and coping strategies was significant. Both variables could predict coping styles of mothers who had exceptional children as well. Coping with stress styles of mothers of exceptional children can be predicted by social support and religiosity variables. So, to reduce stress and to improve coping strategies in this population, it is recommended that the role of religiosity and social support be considered.