The prediction of life satisfaction based on coping style and hardiness in the mothers of mentally retarded children

When a disabled child is born, the family cycles changes and the need to adjust and consider the new expectations and realities. So, the styles of confronting and coping of mothers with children as a stressful situation and their personal backgrounds will be considered. The aim of the study was, prediction of life satisfaction based on coping style and hardiness in the mothers of mentally retarded children.

This study utilized a descriptive correlational design and population in this study consists of all mothers with children with mental retardation living in Tehran that 260 people were selected through multiple stage sampling. The tools were Coping Questionnaire (by Mouse and Blyngz, 1981) hardiness scale (by Kvbasa, 1979) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (by Diener et al, 1985). Multiple regression analysis were used to analyze the. The results showed that all three dimension of coping styles (cognitive, behavioral, and avoidance) and two dimension of hardiness (challenge and commitment) were significant predictor for Satisfaction with Life. Coping styles with stress and components of cognitive, behavioral, and avoidance and hardiness personality traits and components of challenge and commitment are key factors in life satisfaction. So to these concepts in the life satisfaction of individuals especially this mothers should be given special attention.