ABSTRACT
Background
Raising adolescents with intellectual disabilities in Thailand is challenging. Whilst some mothers show resilience, limited understanding exists of the factors within these cultural contexts that contribute to resilience. This qualitative study explores experiences of mothers caring for adolescent children with intellectual disabilities in Thailand.
Methods
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 Thai mothers of adolescents with intellectual disabilities at the Rajanukul Institute in Thailand. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis, guided by Braun and Clarke (2006).
Results
Six themes were developed, detailing mothers’ resilience journeys: becoming a mother of a child with intellectual disabilities, finding my way, navigating challenges, support systems, holding on to faith, and forward-thinking strategies.
Conclusion
This study reveals that resilience amongst mothers is a dynamic process shaped by personal attributes, coping strategies, social support, and cultural and spiritual beliefs. These findings highlight the need for culturally sensitive interventions to strengthen parental resilience.