Factors affecting the emotional state of mothers raising children with hearing impairment

Raising children with hearing impairment is often accompanied by family dysfunction and changes in the psychological state of all members. Mothers of children with hearing impairment are at risk of affective disorders, often experience chronic stress, and have higher rates of anxiety and depression. The current study aims to analyze, systematize, and summarize the research literature on factors that influence the emotional state of mothers raising children with hearing impairment. Results indicate that negative changes in the emotional state of mothers are influenced by factors related to characteristics of children, diagnostic indicators and intervention programs, the personal characteristics of mothers, and characteristics of the family and broader social environment. The complex of factors contributing to a favorable emotional state of mothers includes timely information about hearing loss and the availability of services, early detection of the disorder and inclusion of the child and family in the intervention program, a higher level of education, self-efficacy and openness of the mother to gain new experiences, proportionality of the distribution of parental responsibilities, family support, acceptance of the child by the social environment, improvement of the economic situation, social support and the quality of life of the family. The results of the study are discussed according to ideas about potential stressors affecting the mental health and development of a child in the system of interaction and relations with parents, and the need to take into consideration the emotional state of the mother and the factors influencing it in child and family care programs.

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