Resilience of parents in the context of raising a child with intellectual disability is gaining attention as a mechanism that addresses their inherent strengths to withstand the potential associated strain. Understanding its underlying factors has applications in fostering their resilience. The present study explored the resilience of parents and its relationship with the impact of child's disability. A total of 121 parents were assessed using Connor Davidson Resilience Scale and National Institute for the Mentally Handicapped Disability Impact Scale. The results revealed that parenting a child with intellectual disability posed them with both positive and negative experiences. Their evaluations about the condition of the child significantly influenced their resilience. The positive perceptions about the child's disability operated as a protective element, whereas their negative evaluations acted as a risk element of resilience. The findings have specific importance in designing interventions for families of persons with intellectual disability.
Purpose: This study examined the relationship between the resilience and coping mechanisms of parents of children with intellectual disability.Method: Study participants were recruited from special schools and neighbourhood groups of parents of children with special needs in Kerala, a southern state of India. Around 121 parents completed the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Coping Strategies Screen. The correlational analysis revealed a significant relationship between their coping strategies and resilience.Results: Problem focussed coping strategies such as problem-solving skills, taking professional assistance, seeking information about managing the condition, taking time to discuss the ways of handling child's condition with the family members/significant others and having recreational activities improved parental resilience. Whereas, emotion focused coping strategies for example, reliance on religious leaders for emotional support, weeping, blaming fate and doing nothing decreased their resilience. Rehabilitation professionals may plan interventions to expand problem focused coping skills so as to improve their resilience
Conclusion: The findings have specific applications in developing interventionsfor parents of children with intellectual disability.
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