Maternal Report of Relationships Between Perceived Distress and Executive Function and Behavior Problems of Children With Down Syndrome

The study investigated how maternal distress relates to the executive function and maladaptive behaviors in 24 mothers of children aged 7 to 18 with Down syndrome (DS). The mothers reported higher distress in the Attachment and Health measures compared to other sub-scales. No links were found between maternal distress, children's age, IQ, obesity, and executive function. Additionally, an interactive effect was observed between maternal distress and children's problem behaviors. Mothers experienced greater distress in the Isolation and Depression sub-scales when their children exhibited more self-isolated and self-injurious behaviors. It appears that mothers of children with DS may perceive unique distress, and appropriate support services should be provided. Future studies could include qualitative interviews and other measures to better understand the stressors experienced by both parents, as well as their parenting self-efficacy and styles, to develop a comprehensive family support system that reduces parental stress for families with children with DS.