Predicting post-traumatic growth based on perceived support resources and religious orientation in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities

Document Type : Original Article

Researchers

1 استادیار گروه روانشناسی و آموزش کودکان استثنایی دانشگاه علامه طباطبایی تهران

2 Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran

3 Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad

Ministerial Ethics Committee
This study aims to investigate the role of perceived social support and religious orientation in predicting post-traumatic growth (PTG) in mothers of children with intellectual disabilities. The birth and care of a child with intellectual disability is recognized as a traumatic event for parents, particularly mothers; however, some of these mothers experience positive psychological growth. The present study seeks to identify the facilitating factors of this growth.



This is a descriptive-correlational study, and its statistical population consists of all mothers of elementary school children with intellectual disabilities in Mashhad city during the 2026–2027 academic year. Convenience sampling will be used, with a sample size of 200 participants selected from some special education elementary school. Research instruments include the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Allport Religious Orientation Scale (ROS). Data will be analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression analysis.



The research hypotheses emphasize a positive and significant relationship between each of the predictor variables (social support and religious orientation) and post-traumatic growth. This study will be conducted with full adherence to ethical considerations, including obtaining informed consent, ensuring data confidentiality, and allowing voluntary withdrawal. The findings can assist mental health professionals in designing effective interventions to promote positive growth in families with children with intellectual disabilities.