Counselling Parents of children with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Care of children with intellectual disability is often stressful for parents (Esdaile & Greenwood, 2003). Parental counselling is seen to be efficient in this regard. The present study aims to assess the efficacy of counselling the parents of children with intellectual disability. It was hypothesized that counselling would reduce the level of perceived stress among the parents of intellectually disabled children. 30 parents of children with intellectual disability were selected, their level of stress was assessed using perceived stress scale of FISC-MR (Girimaji et al., 1999) and then counselling was provided. After the counselling intervention post assessment of level of perceived stress was done. Findings after applying the t test indicate a decreased level of stress in post- intervention assessment; thus proving the hypothesis. Counselling of parents of children with intellectual disability decreased the level of stress for parents of children with intellectual disability. Parents of children with intellectual disability experience stress which is an important area of rehabilitation. Counselling Intervention was seen to be efficient in this regard.