The Negative Effects of Insufficient Support Systems on Kuwaiti Mothers of Children with Disabilities

Parents raising a child with a physical or cognitive disability are often faced with the negative stigma against disabilities that exist in several Arab countries. This puts extra pressure on the parents and can lead to negative outcomes for the children. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of parenting stress and varying levels of support for mothers of children with disabilities and the effects of these pressures on their relationship with their disabled child. We surveyed 85 Kuwaiti mothers of children with disabilities. The participants filled out an online survey with questions regarding parenting related stress, perceived social support, feelings of social isolation, self‐efficacy, and attachment to their child. Results indicate that mothers who feel unsupported by their families, community, and government experience more parenting stress and greater social isolation. These in turn lead them to feel less competent in their parenting abilities, and ultimately they feel less emotionally connected to their child. Implications of these findings are discussed.     

蔡襄《行书自书诗》卷后“匡山凷翁”题跋小考

故宫博物院藏《行书自书诗》卷是蔡襄行书代表作,卷后有历代题跋多则,其中款署为"匡山凷翁"的一跋,前人向对作者未有详论。本文通过此卷前后题跋以及相关文献记载,考证出此跋作者为明初人吴勤,因受当时的收藏者管讷的邀请而书此题跋。通过对"匡山凷翁"身份的揭示,可以更清晰地了解此卷在明初的流传轨迹,对此间书画鉴藏史的研究或有裨益。