Emotional Burden and Coping Strategies among Mothers of Children with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

The current study was designed to explore emotional burden and coping strategies of mothers with intellectual disabled children in Pakistan. As a result of the long-term care needs and the stigma associated with having a child with intellectual disability, mothers face many psychological, emotional, social and economic difficulties. The research design used in the study was quantitative with a type of cross-sectional research. Based on purposive sampling technique, 150 mothers having intellectually disabled children were selected from special education institutions and rehabilitation centers in Pakistan. Demographic information sheet, Brief COPE Inventory and Caregiver Burden Scale were used to gather data. The statistical analysis was done using SPSS-26 with descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and regression analysis. The results showed that mothers had moderate to high emotional burden (stress, emotional exhaustion, anxiety and social isolation). Adaptive coping styles (religious coping, emotional support, acceptance and problem-solving) were widely employed and were found to have a significant negative correlation with emotional burden (r = -.52, p < .01). However, there were significant positive associations between maladaptive coping mechanisms (such as avoidance and denial) and emotional burden (r = .61, p < .01). The results of the regression analysis also showed that coping strategies were significant predictors of emotional burden among the mothers. The results emphasize the need for culturally appropriate counseling services, psychoeducation, family support initiatives, and mental health interventions among mothers with children with ID in Pakistan. Findings of the study can be utilized by clinical psychologists, educators, rehabilitation workers, and policymakers to create effective support systems that will enhance mothers' psychological well-being and coping skills.