The characteristics and mediational influences of role division and social support were examined among 88 mothers of children with mental retardation, physical disabilities, or who were developmentally at risk. This cross-sectional study was conducted with mothers and their children who were participants in an early intervention program. Each respondent completed four questionnaires as part of their participation in the study. The findings showed that (a) neither role characteristics (accumulation and satisfaction) nor social support varied as a function of child age or developmental status; (b) role accumulation differed as a function of maternal marital and employment status; (c) role satisfaction did not differ as a function of either marital status or employment status; (d) social support differed as a function of marital status but not employment status; and (e) intrafamily and extrafamily support had mediational influences on parent and family functioning beyond that due to other explainer variables. The findings are discussed in terms of the implications for intervention.
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