Relationship between Parenting Stress and Social Support among Mothers of Children with Different Disabilities

Abstract

Mothers caring for children with disabilities often experience parental stress, than mothers of children without disabilities due to the range of challenges they face. Aim: explore the relationship between parenting stress and social support among mothers of children with different disabilities. Subjects & Method: A descriptive correlational design was utilized. A convenient sample composed 100 of mothers of disabled children who agreed to participate in this study. Data collection tool include: socio-demographic characteristics sheet, parental stress scale, and multidimensional scale of perceived social support. Results: The majority of mothers have moderate and sever levels of parental stress respectively and majority of mothers have lower level of social support. Also, there is a negative and highly statistically significant correlation between total parental stress and social support scores among mothers of handicap children. Conclusion: Mothers of children with different disabilities experiences higher level of stress and lower level of social support. Recommendations: Design continuing health education, training programs, and stress management techniques for mothers who have children with disabilities to face stress and coping with it.