SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STATE OF MOTHERS AND BEHAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME UNDER CONDITIONS OF INSTABILITY

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study on the psychological state of mothers of children with Down syndrome and the adaptive characteristics of the children across various domains of life. The study sample included 70 mothers of children with Down syndrome aged 3 to 28 years. Participants represented different regions of Ukraine: NGO «Poltava Down SyndromeУ» (13 mothers), Poltava region (3), Karlivka (1), NGO «Down Syndrome» in Kyiv (4), «Vinnytsia Down Syndrome» NGO (4), Ternopil (8), Kryvyi Rih (17), Odesa (3), as well as from Rivne, Kherson, Lutsk, Dnipro, Kropyvnytskyi, Kharkiv, and families who had relocated to Germany (21 mothers). To assess the psychological state of the mothers, PHQ-9 and GAD-7 questionnaires were employed. The results indicated that the mean level of depression (PHQ-9) was 10.06, corresponding to a moderate level of depression; the mean level of anxiety (GAD-7) was 5.87, indicating a mild level of anxiety.
The children’s adaptive characteristics were studied using the ABCID methodology, which includes 13 scales. Communication showed a mean value of 8.40, indicating a moderate level of communicative skills. Adaptation in daily living had a mean value of 6.90, reflecting a low level of everyday adaptability. Community adaptation had a mean value of 2.23, indicating a very low level of social environment integration. Social adaptation had a mean value of 6.47, indicating a moderate level of social interaction. Anxiety had a mean value of 5.66, signifying a mild level of anxiety. Obsessions and compulsions had a mean value of 3.17, suggesting a moderately expressed level of obsessive-compulsive manifestations. Depression had a mean value of 1.69, indicating a low level of depressive symptoms. Asthenia had a mean value of 4.77, reflecting moderate fatigue and low energy. Demonstrative behavior was at 4.47, showing a moderate tendency to attract attention. Somatization with a mean value of 2.17 indicated a low prevalence of physical symptoms. Psychoticism at 1.20 indicated a very low level of psychotic manifestations. Neuroticism had a mean value of 21.93, signifying a high level of emotional instability. The overall level of adaptation was 24.00, indicating a moderate level of adaptive capabilities. Wartime conditions have significantly exacerbated challenges for children with Down syndrome and their families, leading to disruptions in established routines, limited access to medical and educational services, and social isolation. The findings underscore the need for systematic psychological support for mothers and the development of psycho correctional programs to improve the adaptive behavior of children with Down syndrome.