Children of Mothers with Intellectual Disability: Stigma, Mother–Child Relationship and Self‐esteem

Abstract

Background We investigated mother–child relationships and self‐esteem of typical children of mothers with intellectual disability. Methods Eighteen girls and 18 boys from various ethnic groups were administered questionnaires to assess: (a) attachment style; (b) caregiver style; (c) perception of maternal stigma; and (d) self‐esteem. The children were also asked to list the identities or roles that they play in life. Results Results suggested that: (a) the relationship between the child's perception of stigma and attachment to the mother is mediated by the warmth of the mother's caregiving style; and (b) if the child has an avoidant or anxious/ambivalent attachment to the mother, self‐esteem tends to be lower. Furthermore, multiple identities contribute to positive self‐esteem among these children. Conclusions Results are discussed in relation to the model presented and the consistency of the findings with attachment theory.