Provision of respite care for children with developmental disabilities: changes in maternal coping and stress over time.

Changes were examined in maternal coping resources and stress over time as a consequence of the provision of respite care for their children with developmental disabilities. Users and nonusers of home-based respite services were matched and compared. Results showed that services were associated with an immediate significant reduction in maternal stress. Even though there were changes over time in coping resources and stress reported by mothers, the respite care group showed overall consistent benefits as compared to those not receiving services. Findings were interpreted with respect to their implications for research and interventions.