Understanding Parental Stress: A Study of Families Raising Children with Intellectual Disabilities in West Bengal

Abstract

Background: Children with intellectual disability (ID) have their parents going through emotional, physical, and financial levels of crisis that can, in most cases, affect the parent's mental health and, consequently, their well-being. To develop effective support systems we must understand the stress levels these parents are experiencing.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the stress levels of parents of children with intellectual disabilities and to determine the key elements rendering the stress levels of the parents higher.

Methodology: 270 parents (170 mothers and 100 fathers) of children with ID from the special education centres and rehabilitation clinics in West Bengal were surveyed. Standardized measures were used to assess the emotional and practical consequences of caregiving.

Findings: Results suggest that mothers experience much higher levels of stress than do fathers (mainly from caregiving responsibilities, a lack of social support, and financial strain). Furthermore, rural as well as lower socioeconomic and unemployed parents scored higher stress levels.

Conclusion: The results indicate that specific intervention strategies and supportive systems need to be implemented to cope with the stress that parents of children with intellectual disabilities experience. The use of these strategies could contribute towards improving the quality of life of families in general and also mental life and well-being of the family.