Parental Stress in Caring for Children with Disability

Abstract

Caring for children with disability can be tremendously challenging and exhausting, causing stress to parents and affecting the family's well-being. This study aimed to identify the level of stress and contributing factors to stress among parents of children with disability. The questionnaire was administered to 150 respondents who have children with disability in Johor Bahru district. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis involving percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations. The study showed moderate parental stress (M=2.58, SD=1.20). The contributing factors to stress are family socioeconomics (M=3.33, SD=1.33), fatigue managing children's daily routine (M=3.25, SD=1.15), and children's health problems (M=3.13, SD=1.40). Growing up with a disabled child is no easy task, unless parents have more patience. Government and non-governmental organisations (NGO) could organize more programmes and events to strengthen parenting skills. Psychological, social, and emotional supports help parents to recognize, understand and manage their stress effectively.