Stress and depression in the parents of intellectually challenged children and the parents of intellectually challenged children with physical handicap

ABSTRACT

The research was conducted to investigate the amount of difference in stress reported by the mothers of the intellectually challenged children and the mothers of physically handicapped children. It was hypothesized that the mothers of intellectually challenged children will report more stress as compared to the mothers of the physically handicapped children. The sample of physically handicapped children's group consisted of 22 mothers. In this sample 86% were house wives and 13% were working ladies with average age of 27 years. The sample of intellectually challenged group consisted of mothers of intellectually challenged children who suffered moderate to severe mental disability. In this sample 77% were house wives and 22% were working ladies with average age of 28 years. From each group mothers were initially interviewed and later on had to complete the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress [QRS] by Holroyd and Guthrie [1974]. The t-test was calculated for the statistical analysis and the results obtained were found to be significant at P< 0.05, stating that mental handicap contributed more towards family stress