Parental Wellbeing and Clinical Characteristics of Children with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

This study aimed to see the psychological well-being of the caregivers and its relationship with the clinical characteristics of children with Intellectual Disability (ID).

Methods: A total of 20 caregivers of children with intellectual disability were purposively selected from Central Institute of Psychiatry and Deepshika Institute of Child Development and Mental Health, Ranchi. Socio-demographic and clinical data of caregivers and their children with intellectual disability was collected using specially designed clinical datasheet. The caregivers were assessed with General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), Ryff’s Psychological wellbeing scale, Family Interview for Stress and Coping in Mental Retardation (FISC-MR), Social Problem-Solving Inventory (SPSI-R) and Self-determination scale (SDS). Intelligence quotient of the child was assessed with the average score of VSMS and DST and percentage of disability using Assessment of Disability in Persons with Mental Retardation (ADPMR).

Results & Conclusions: Study identified a significant relationship in the caregiver’s psychological well-being associated with the clinical characteristics of children with intellectual disability. There is decreased psychological wellbeing in the caregivers and is related to the clinical characteristics of the children with intellectual disability. There are very few culturally sensitive parent intervention practices directed to the key caregivers of children with intellectual disability and that these practices should be enhanced.