Psychological Aspects in Parents of Children with Disability and Behavior Problems

Abstract

Introduction

Parents of children with disabilities are at increased risk of experiencing psychological stress compared to other parents. Children's high levels of internalizing and externalizing problems have been found to contribute to this elevated level of stress. Childhood disability often imposes a social and emotional burden for children and their families.

Objective

With this study we evaluated several parents’ psychological aspects and the emotional behavioral functioning of their children with disability.

Aim

To investigate the possible correlation between parenting stress, level of depression in parents and behavior problems in their children, taking in to account the differences between mothers and fathers.

Method

standardized forms (CBCL, PSI, BDI) were completed from 57 (28 mothers) parents of children aged from 6 to18 years, focusing on psychological well-being includes depression, parenting stress, family resilience and family adjustment.

Results

The mean age of our sample was 41.55 ± 5.4. The level of depression and stress index were higher in mothers than in fathers. Parenting stress was significantly associated with children internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in children.

Conclusion

The results of this investigation indicate the importance of examining relations between parenting stress and behavior problems in children with disabilities. Objective of ensuring the rehabilitation process aimed at the welfare of the family. These patterns have implications for both developmental theory and for service provision for individuals with disability and their families.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.