A study of coping strategies of parents in relation to child’s level of intellectual disability

Abstract

The present research study was aimed at assessing and comparing the type\rand level of coping strategies among the parents of 150 intellectually disabled children, who\rwere selected from 3 RCI (Rehabilitation Council of India) recognized special schools of Delhi\racross child’s degree of intellectual disability. Sample was drawn randomly in equal proportions\rfrom three categories of intellectual disability namely mild, moderate and severe. The coping\rstrategies of parents were assessed using Family Interview for Stress and Coping in Mental\rRetardation (Section-II) developed by NIMHANS. The findings of the present study revealed\rthat parents having children with severe intellectual disability had low expectations, more negative\rattitudes towards child management and rearing practices as compare to parents with mildly and\rmoderately disabled children. Coping strategies among these components were decreasing with\rthe severity of child’s intellectual disability. Overall it was observed that families of mildly\rchallenged children were comparatively better coped up.