Perceived Problem-Solving Ability, Stress, and Coping in Mothers of Children with physical disabilities: Potential cognitive influences on adjustment

Examined the contribution of perceived problem-solving ability to the adjustment of mothers of children with a physical disability, in conjunction with appraised disability-related stress and approach and avoidance coping, as a further evaluation of Wallander and Varni’s Disability—Stress-Coping model emphasizing cognitive processes. One hundred sixteen mothers of children, ages 2 to 20, with spina bifida or cerebral palsy completed measures of relevant constructs. Results show that the mother’s appraisal of disability-related stress is strongly associated with her reported maladjustment. However, perceptions of competence in problem solving are associated with better overall adjustment. A portion of this relation appears mediated by coping style, as confidence in one’s problem-solving ability increases so does the likelihood of selecting more adaptive coping strategies when faced with disability-related stress. Overall, consideration of perceived problem-solving ability appears to make a valuable contribution to the Disability-Stress-Coping model and to current understanding of the experience of coping with raising a child with a disability. Perceived problem-solving ability can also be linked to clinical interventions, as discussed.