Mothers' Adjustments in Raising Children with Down Syndrome

다운증후군 자녀를 둔 어머니의 적응

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore mothers' adjustments in raising children with Down syndrome and to develop a grounded theory about their adjustments. Method: Three mothers from each group of children in the ages below 7 years, 8-13 years, 14-19 years, and over 20 years participated in the study. Data were collected through an in-depth interview from twelve participants having a child with Down syndrome. Then it was analyzed simultaneously using the grounded theory method. Results: 'Adjustment of mother's expectation according to child's status' was emerged as a core category. The adjustment process was categorized into five stages: shocking, embracing, doing one's best with passion, lowering anticipation, and accepting another living. Conclusion: Being the mother of a child with Down syndrome is not considered to be a negative experience. There are positive experiences along with some more negative ones. Nurses working with families that include children with Down syndrome need to be aware of the obstacles the families will face and should advise necessary support.