Attachment experiences in mothers of children with developmental delay: content analysis

The aim of this study is to develop a profile of attachment experiences through the analysis of content shared in a virtual forum by a group of mothers who have children with developmental delay. Three categories were extracted from the data: behavioural system, care system, and professional parenting assistance. The results allowed the identification of the mothers’ emotional states associated with the uncertainty about diagnosis, difficulty interpreting their children behaviour, and responding consequently, seeking emotional intimacy, and prevalence of guided learning during the early stages of diagnosis. It is concluded that the diagnosis “developmental delay”, being provisional, makes the acceptance process difficult, which impacts the maternal care system negatively. Terminology, attitudes, and practices of support professionals seem to play an important role. The desire for emotional intimacy, positive emotions, and appropriate professional support would be protective factors to establish a more favourable attachment between parents and children.