Where Does Hope Fit In? The Relationship Between Hope, Uncertainty, and Coping Efficacy in Mothers of Children With Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy

The proposed study aims to examine the relationships between maternal uncertainty, hope, and coping efficacy in mothers of children with Duchenne/Becker Muscular Dystrophy (DBMD). DBMD is described as a complex chronic condition causing challenges exemplified by both chronic and terminal illnesses. Parental adaptation to a child s DBMD diagnosis is multifaceted due to the evolution of the disease and uncertain timing of the progressive losses the child and family face. In addition to prognostic uncertainty associated with DBMD, there is uncertainty about the management of the condition, future and reproductive planning, the family s social connections, and the existential meaning of the child s life. It is not fully understood how mothers of children with DBMD appraise, cope with, and ultimately adapt to their child s condition in light of this uncertainty. While high degrees of perceived uncertainty may be seen as a threat to coping and adaptation, there is evidence that caregivers may find benefits in uncertainty. The theoretical literature suggests that a person s hope may influence the appraisal of uncertainty, as well as have therapeutic value in positively affecting coping and ultimately, adaptation. This study s conceptual framework is based on an integrated model from Lazarus and Folkman s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, Mishel s Perceived Uncertainty in Illness Theory, and Dufault and Martocchio s Model of Hope. The proposed study uses a cross-sectional research design to explore the relationships between maternal uncertainty, hope, and coping efficacy and is nested within a larger longitudinal study designed to examine the predictors of wellbeing among mothers of boys with DBMD. In addition, open-ended questions will be used to describe the uncertainty the mothers perceive and the impact uncertainty has had on their life. Participants were recruited through the DuchenneConnect registry, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), and Cincinnati Children s Hospital Medical Center Neuromuscular Clinic. Additional mothers will be recruited through the DuchenneConntect registry, PPMD, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.