Level of Negative Emotional States among Parents of Speech and Language Delay

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Background: The prevalence and impact of delayed speech and language disorders in children have increasingly become a concern, particularly regarding the psychological well-being of their parents. Prior research has explored various factors influencing parental stress in families with children suffering from different developmental disorders, including Down, Williams, Fragile X, and Prader-Willi syndromes. However, there is a need to understand specifically how delayed speech and language disorders in children affect the emotional states of their parents. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among parents of children with primary and secondary speech and language delays. It sought to identify the predominant emotional states in these parents and understand the relationship between the child's developmental status and the parent's emotional well-being. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Multan, involving parents of 70 children with delayed speech and language disorders. Using the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) Inventory, parents were assessed for levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The study employed a non-probability convenient sampling technique, and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), Version 23. Results: The analysis showed significant correlations between depression, anxiety, and stress. Depression had a mean score of 6.986, anxiety had a mean score of 5.529, and stress showed the highest mean score at 7.971. These results indicate that stress is the most prevalent emotional issue among these parents, exceeding the levels of depression and anxiety. Conclusion: The study concludes that parents of children with delayed speech and language disorders in Multan experience high levels of stress, overshadowing other negative emotional states like depression and anxiety. These findings highlight the need for targeted support and interventions for these families, focusing not only on the child's development but also on the mental health and well-being of the caregivers.