Gratitude, Attachment, and Subjective Happiness Among Parents of Individuals with Down syndrome: Role of Social Support

Abstract

The present study aimed at exploring the relationship between gratitude, attachment, and subjective happiness with specific reference to the role of social support among parents of individuals with Down syndrome. The sample of the study comprised of 130 parents; 65 mothers and 65 fathers. Gratitude was assessed through The Gratitude Questionnaire-Five Item Version (McCullough et al., 2002), attachment was assessed through the Revised Adult Attachment Questionnaire-Close Relationship Version (Collins & Read, 1996), social support was assessed through Multidimensional Scale for Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988), and happiness was assessed using Subjective Happiness Scale (Lyubomirsky & Lepper, 1999). The main purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between study variables and explore the mediating role of social support among gratitude and attachment with subjective happiness. It was hypothesized that there will be a significant relationship between the study variables and that social support will act as significant mediator between gratitude and attachment with happiness. In addition to this it was also hypothesized that males and females would differ in their disposition towards gratitude. The results revealed that grateful parents tend to be happier whereas, parents with anxious or avoidant attachment reported less happiness. There was a significantly negative relationship between attachment dimensions (avoidance and anxiety) and social support as well as happiness. The results also showed that social support mediated the relationship between gratitude and attachment with subjective happiness. The study also found that females were more disposed in experiencing gratitude than males. These findings would be useful in providing an understanding on the emotions of parents sharing the journey of raising an individual with differently ability, specifically Down syndrome. Moreover, the community health workers could also gain insights from the findings of the study in organizing and conducting holistic and relatable support groups for parents of individuals with Down syndrome.