The effect of group therapy and grief on mother's attitudes toward retarded children
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Abstract
Related literature and previous experience of the investigator indicated that unresolved grief and unrealistic attitudes were a significant part of maternal reactions toward retarded children. Assuming that a relationship existed between these two variables led to the hypothesis of the study: If group therapy offered to mothers of mentally retarded children with the goal of working through their grief is effective, the mothers will develop more realistic attitudes toward their retarded children.
The sample consisted of thirteen mothers, who had retarded children living at home and under the age of four. Before the start of group therapy each mother was interviewed in her home to determine the quantity and quality of grieving previously experienced around the birth of the retarded child. A modified Thurstone Sentence Completion Form (TSCF), developed to determine parental attitudes toward defective children, was administered to each subject before the start of group therapy and after its completion. Eight mothers of the sample (experimental group) attended group therapy consisting of weekly meetings for eight months (33 meetings) which was led by the investigator. An observer was present at each meeting to note verbal and nonverbal behavior. Five mothers of the sample chose not to attend group therapy and were considered a self-selected control group.
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Thesis (D.N.S.)--Boston University
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