Experiences of Mothers Who Care for Adults with Profound Intellectual Disabilities. Qualitative Study

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to evaluate the motherhood experience when caring for adult children with profound intellectual disabilities. The study was conducted in Poland with a group of 34 mothers. Data was collected and the qualitative methodology was applied, using in-depth narrative interviews. The results of the research indicated that these experiences also include various critical events; experiences that became part of the motherhood to which the women attributed personal meaning. The study results suggest the need for state reform measures to support mothers of adults with profound intellectual disabilities and at the same time, for many families.