Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date

2019

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education

Department

Counselor Education and Supervision

Committee Chair

Daniel Lustig

Committee Member

Alison Happel-Parkins

Committee Member

Nancy Nishimura

Committee Member

Stephen Zanskas

Abstract

Since the 1970s, the number of individuals living with Down syndrome has continued to increase. Many of these individuals live with their families, and mothers are the primary caretakers for most of these children. As the life expectancy of individuals who have Down syndrome continues to rise, theses caregiving roles are expected to last longer. Unfortunately, the supports offered to families, and specifically mothers, have been inconsistent and often inadequate. Spirituality and religion offer some mothers additional supports and can enhance their resilience and endurance. This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach to explore the experience of spirituality and religion in the parenting process of six mothers of adult children who have Down syndrome. The six participants resided in the Mid-South region of the United States and reported that spirituality or religion was important in their lives. Four sub-questions guided this exploration to understand how spirituality and religion influenced these mothers: (1) perceptions of meaning or purpose in their childs diagnosis; (2) positive or negative perceptions of Down syndrome within the context of the church; (3) coping resources and strategies; and (4) perceptions of hope for the childs future. The data collected from a series of three face-to-face interviews with the six participants was processed using Colaizzis method of data analysis. The findings indicated spirituality and religion were supportive coping resources for the mothers in this study, but they were also sources of stress, particularly religion. Mothers found comfort in the belief that their child had purpose, and several mothers believed they were divinely chosen to be the mother of their child. Although biblical scriptures and stories offered reassurances, the supports received from parishioners and religious leaders were inconsistent and sometimes rejecting. Mothers frequently described the institution of the church as insensitive to the needs of individuals who had Down syndrome. When considering the future, mothers reliance on spiritual and religious faith wavered and proactive planning increased. The most frequently reported source of spiritual support among these mothers was their relationship with God.

Comments

Data is provided by the student.

Library Comment

Dissertation or thesis originally submitted to ProQuest

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