Maternal stress: A study of mothers with typical hearing who have children who are deaf and hard of hearing in Spain

© 2015 Alexander Graham Bell Association. All Rights Reserved. This study examined the association between parenting stress, family functioning, child behavior problems, language development, mother’s education, child’s sex, child’s age, and child’s hearing device in a cross-sectional sample of 37 mothers with typical hearing who have children who are deaf and hard of hearing enrolled in early childhood programs using oral methodology in Spain. Mothers completed the Parenting Stress Index/Short Form, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale questionnaire, and the Behavior Assessment System for Children. Their children completed the Reynell test for language. Utilizing linear model analysis, we identified that family cohesion, internalizing problems, and adaptive skills in children who are deaf and hard of hearing explain 66% of the variance of parenting stress. Evidence supports the relevance of considering family functioning in parenting stress assessment in families with typical hearing who have children who are deaf and hard of hearing. Along with helpful existing research, greater insight might facilitate the support of intervention programs.