Occupational performance goals of mothers of adolescents with disabilities and mothers of adolescents with typical development

This mixed methods study describes the occupational performance goals of mothers of adolescents with disabilities and mothers of typically developing adolescents. A sample of 40 mothers was recruited, 20 mothers of typically developing adolescents and 20 mothers of adolescents with disabilities. Semi-structured interviews guided by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure were used to gather descriptive data from the mothers. The data were then qualitatively analyzed, compared, and organized into six themes describing the mothers’ occupational performance goals. The six themes were Taking Care of Myself, Making Time for Own Occupations, Life Organization, Quality Time with Others, Sharing the Load, Supporting/Encouraging Adolescent Development. Five of the six themes were shared between both groups. The final theme was only evident in the group of mothers of adolescents with disabilities. The findings highlight the differences and similarities of occupational performance goals between mothers of typically developing adolescents and mothers of adolescents with disabilities. While similarities existed between the two groups, it is important to understand the different life experiences of mothers of adolescents with disabilities to better support them in their daily occupations.