Self-efficacy and resilience among mothers of children with intellectual disabilities in vulnerable circumstances: a study conducted in Goma, North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Raising a child with an intellectual disability is a major challenge, particularly for mothers who bear the main burden of care in contexts characterised by instability and a lack of resources. This study aims to assess the level of resilience among mothers of children living with an intellectual disability in Goma (North Kivu) and to identify the predictors of this resilience, distinguishing the influence of socio-demographic variables from that of internal psychological resources. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 38 mothers receiving care at the Frères de la Charité Centre for People with Physical Disabilities (CHP). Resilience was measured using a validated 28-item scale. Sociodemographic data and self-efficacy were collected via a questionnaire. Statistical analyses (chi-squared, ANOVA, multiple regression) were carried out using SPSS software. The majority of mothers (71.1 per cent) demonstrated excellent resilience (χ² = 6.73, p = 0.009). Multiple regression analyses show that sociodemographic factors (age, occupation, educational attainment, family situation) account for only 1 per cent of the variance in resilience (adjusted R² = 0.010, p = 0.407). By contrast, a sense of self-efficacy emerges as a statistically significant predictor of resilience (F(4,33) = 3.880, p = 0.011). Mothers who feel ‘entirely capable’ of coping with difficulties achieve an average resilience score (104.44) that is significantly higher than that of the other groups. The results confirm that mothers’ resilience in this context relies more on internal psychological resources, particularly self-efficacy, than on socio-demographic factors. These findings support interventions focused on strengthening personal capacities, to complement any material assistance.

Keywords: Resilience, self-efficacy, intellectual disability, mothers, DRC, North Kivu.

Received Date: June 19, 2026

Accepted Date: July 10, 2026

Published Date: August 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/844