Parenting a Child with Intellectual Disability: A Review

Description

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21868128

Parul Patneja and Sandeep Singh (Department of Applied Psychology, Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology, Hisar, Haryana)

Intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental diso rder that affects the individual as well as their parents. The present review aims to critically explore the psychological, social, and financial impact of raising a child with intellectual disability on parents, while also highlighting positive outcomes and identifying gaps for future research. This review primarily draws on studies published after 2015 that focus on parental experiences. The findings indicate that parents frequently experience depression, anxiety, and psychological distress. Mothers are more vulnerable to these stressors due to their primary caregiving roles. They also face financial and social difficulties, which increase the burden on them. However, several studies also report positive outcomes, including enhanced empathy, tolerance, and personal growth. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs and culturally sensitive interventions to better inform policies and programs that promote well-being of parents.