Effect of Self-guided Relaxation Training on Parental Stress and Behavioral Problems of Special Children

Page: 512-516
Aarzoo, Purnima Aggarwal, and Shivangi Mehta (Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh)

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and Intellectual disability (ID) are the neurodevelopmental disorders of childhood associated with significant maladaptive behaviors including aggression, self-injury and severe tantrums, agitation etc. The parents of children with ASD experience greater stress than faced by parents of typically developing children or those with other developmental disabilities. The present research was an attempt to deliver a single session intervention in mothers and study its effect of parental stress and behavioral problems in children. Twenty mothers were recruited, 10 in experimental group and 10 in waitlist group. Single session of SGR was delivered to participants and an audio recording was given for self-practice at home. The outcome measures used were Parental Stress Scale and Behavioral Assessment Scales for Indian Children with Mental Retardation-Part B. Within and between group analyses was carried out using paired t-test and independent t-test with significance. There was significant reduction in parental stress in experimental group compared to participants in waitlist group. However no much difference was evident in behavioral problems in children. SGR is an effective intervention for mothers of children with disability. It may be used as an adjunct or integral component of parental management training programs.