Stress and resolution in mothers of children with cerebral palsy

• Higher levels of risk factors were found in mothers who were unresolved to their child's diagnosis compared to resolved ones.
• The investigated risk factors were: functional status of the child, cumulative stress, and maternal depression.
• The functional status of a child and maternal depression were significant resolution predictors.
• Prediction of maternal resolved status was more successful than the prediction of unresolved status.

Parental resolution of diagnosis represents coming to terms with and accepting the diagnosis of a serious condition in their child. As risk factors for achieving resolution, we investigated: a child's functional status, cumulative stress, and maternal depression. The current study tested the hypothesis that mothers who are unresolved to their child's diagnosis would have considerably higher levels of risk factors, compared to resolved mothers. We also examined whether the observed risk factors could predict the resolution status. Maternal resolution was assessed by means of the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview. The sample consisted of 100 mothers of children aged 2–7, diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The results showed that unresolved mothers had children with poorer functional status, experienced more stressful life events, and were more depressed compared to resolved ones. The functional status of a child and maternal depression were shown to be significant resolution predictors. Importantly, they were more successful in predicting the resolved than the unresolved status. Further research is needed in order to investigate more extensively the unresolved parental status.