This article presents findings from a study of black urban mothers that
delineate three patterns of acceptance toward their handicapped sons:
active, passive, and limited. Locus of control, which involves a sense
of personal power, was found to be central to these patterns, affecting
self-esteem, attitudes toward the child, and ability to gain access to
resources. Implications for social work interventions include guidelines for delivering differential services that are based on patterns of
acceptance and locus of control.
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