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A recent study published in the International Journal of Developmental Disabilities emphasizes the critical role that coping strategies and resilience play in helping parents of children with disabilities navigate the challenges of raising neurodevelopmentally disabled children. Conducted in Ghana, the research offers valuable insights that can be applied globally to support parents in similar circumstances.
The study, led by Mabel Oti-Boadi, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, and Francis Boateng, an associate professor at the University of Mississippi, focused on the psychological well-being of parents raising children with conditions such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, and Tourette’s syndrome. The researchers explored how psychological distress, coping mechanisms, and resilience affect the overall quality of life for these parents.
“Our main interest was looking at how psychological distress and coping with stress impact these parents, their resilience, and also their quality of life or well-being,” said Boateng. “We know that it’s not easy. These parents go through a lot of challenges.”
Despite the study being conducted in Ghana, Boateng pointed out that its findings are universally relevant. Neurodevelopmental disabilities, which affect the development and function of the brain, can create significant emotional and physical stress for parents, regardless of the severity of the child’s condition.
Oti-Boadi, the study’s lead author, noted that “psychological distress predicted quality of life.” High levels of distress not only decrease a parent’s quality of life but also have a direct negative effect on their resilience. This highlights the importance of managing stress in maintaining overall well-being.
The research discovered that emotion-focused coping strategies—methods that focus on managing emotional responses rather than directly solving problems—are particularly beneficial for parents. In the case of raising children with neurodevelopmental disabilities, where many factors are beyond the parent’s control, this type of coping helps parents manage their emotional reactions to their child’s condition.
Boateng noted that while some past studies have suggested that emotion-focused coping could negatively impact parents’ quality of life, his study found surprising results: “We didn’t find any such results, and that is surprising.” This finding is significant because it suggests that emotional regulation can be a powerful tool for parents dealing with overwhelming circumstances.
The study also underscores the importance of fostering supportive social networks for parents. In many regions, including Ghana, neurodevelopmental disabilities are often stigmatized, and parents may feel isolated, further contributing to their stress. Oti-Boadi explained that in some cultures, there are spiritual or cultural beliefs that attribute disabilities to curses or spiritual punishment, which exacerbates feelings of isolation and blame.
To counteract these negative effects, the researchers recommend group therapy and community support as vital components for building resilience. By connecting with other parents facing similar challenges, families can reduce isolation and create a support system to help them cope.
“Parents are rising up above their problems, and they are bouncing back from the stresses they are going through,” said Oti-Boadi. “They’re creating awareness and hoping something good will come out of this for their families.”
Ultimately, the study advocates for broader community and policy efforts to support parents of children with disabilities, emphasizing the importance of collective action across cultures and countries. “Every one of us—whether you are in the West or in a developing country—we should all work together to help these families and build their resilience. When we are strong together, we can take on these problems.”
This groundbreaking research suggests that supporting parents’ mental health and encouraging coping strategies can lead to healthier, more resilient families, regardless of geographical location.
For more information on the study, refer to International Journal of Developmental Disabilities (2024), DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2024.2384712.
