Mechanistic examination of why caregiver strain undermines quality of life: unravelling the roles of mental health symptoms and social participation

ABSTRACTDevelopmental disabilities (DDs) that occur in early childhood can have long-lasting effects on an individual’s daily functioning. This paper emphasises the need for interventions for children with DDs and their families, as parents of children with DDs may experience high levels of strain and mental health symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on the impact of caregiver burden on Korean parents of children with DDs. Analyses were conducted to examine the mediating effects of mental health symptoms and social participation on the relationship between caregiver burden and quality of life (QoL). The results indicate that caregiver strain has a negative effect on QoL, and parental mental health symptoms and social participation mediate this relationship. The findings provide insights for practitioners in social work and special education involved with Korean parents of children with DDs and highlight the support systems needed to enhance their wellbeing.KEYWORDS: Caregiver strainmental health symptomssocial participationquality of lifedevelopmental disability Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis research was supported by the Research Grant of Jeonju University in 2023.Notes on contributorsSeonwoo LeeSeonwoo Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation at Jeonju University in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. He earned his PhD in welfare for the handicapped from the Graduate School of Social Welfare at Yonsei University. Dr. Lee has several years of experience as a social worker with a local social welfare foundation in Korea. His research predominantly revolves around individuals with disabilities and their families. Currently, he is investigating post-traumatic growth (PTG) as a vital factor to enhance family functions, particularly in families with members having developmental disabilities.Yoewon YoonYoewon Yoon serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Dongguk University in Seoul, South Korea. She earned her PhD from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California. Dr. Yoon's research primarily centers on children, youth, and families. She has a particular interest in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), their intergenerational continuity, and the resultant mental and behavioral health outcomes in vulnerable children and adolescents.