Aspects of Mental Health among Parents of Children with Developmental Disorders

Abstract

The purpose of this study is firstly to examine the mental health status among parents of children with developmental disorders in relation to certain family and demographic factors and, secondly, to determine the predictor role of parental self-efficacy in relation to mental health of parents of children with developmental disorders. Forty-six people participated in the study, ages 23-49, M = 37.46, SD = 6.51, parents of children with ASD or other developmental disorders, children ages ranges between 3 and 15, M = 6.50, SD = 2.77. The questionnaires used were DASS21R for anxiety and depression, and Parenting Sense of Competence Scale was used for parenting self-efficacy.  Results showed that mothers of children with developmental disorders have higher levels of anxiety than their fathers, that age is a positive predictor of depression and anxiety in parents of children with developmental disorders, and that self-efficacy is a negative predictor of mental health disorders.