Building Resilience in mothers caring for neurodivergent children: A Multi-Framework Approach using Personal Resources and Self-Regulation

Barnes, A (2025) Building Resilience in mothers caring for neurodivergent children: A Multi-Framework Approach using Personal Resources and Self-Regulation. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

In the UK, approximately one in seven people may be neurodivergent. Parent caregivers of neurodivergent children frequently experience elevated stress, anxiety, affiliate stigma, isolation, and reduced social support, which negatively impact their homelife, careers and workforce participation. Employing conservation of resources (COR) theory and regulatory mode, this PhD study sought practical approaches to improve mothers' resilience and coping mechanisms. Two research gaps were identified: the associations between COR and regulatory mode, and the potential application of these theories in supporting mothers who care for neurodivergent children. To address these issues, cross-sectional, semi-structured in-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 mothers. The results identified links between COR and regulatory mode. Data and results identified links between COR and regulatory mode. Key resources and four novel resource passageways, including a conceptual opening passageway, were determined. The study contradicts previous findings on long-term time investments and validates the relevance of the crossover model and broaden-and-build mechanism for this cohort. Practical strategies for supporting mothers caring for neurodivergent children are identified. Findings both extend and challenge the COR and regulatory mode frameworks. Proposals to support parents of neurodivergent children expand the use of the two frameworks, and findings add to COR and regulatory mode literature by understanding how these parents handle life stressors. The outcomes potentially aid other caregivers and employers by offering targeted guidance and interventions to bolster resilience and coping strategies.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Conservation of resources; Regulatory mode; Locomotion and assessment; Neurodiversity; ADHD; ASD; Coping; Parental resilience; Resource passageways; Resource caravans; Key resources; Parental capabilities and capacities; Time and social support; Crossover of resources
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce > HF5001 Business
Divisions:	Business and Management (from Sep 19)
Date of acceptance:	21 April 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	2 May 2025
Date Deposited:	02 May 2025 15:53
Last Modified:	02 May 2025 15:53
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00026242
Supervisors:	Pickles, M, Wall, T and Cronshaw, S
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26242

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