Parenting Stress of Challenged and Non-Challenged Children: A Comparative Perspective

Abstract

This study examines parenting stress among parents of challenged and non-challenged children, focusing on dimensions i.e. financial, social, family, and emotional stress. Conducted in Hooghly; Paschim Medinipur; and Kolkata, West Bengal, India, the study involved 200 parents (100 of challenged children and 100 of non-challenged children) across diverse occupations using a survey-based cross-sectional design through conveniently. Findings reveal significant gender and occupational differences in stress levels. Fathers of non-challenged children report higher financial stress, while mothers of challenged children experience greater social stress. Occupational factors influence stress differently across groups; for instance, service professionals report higher family stress among parents of non-challenged children, while farmers of challenged children report the least social stress. Age-related analyses suggest that while financial stress decreases with parenting age in non-challenged groups, emotional and overall stress increase in parents of challenged children as they age. This comparison underscores the specific stressors unique to each parenting context, offering insights into potential areas for support and intervention. The study contributes to understanding how child developmental status, gender, occupation, and age intersect to shape parental stress, thereby informing tailored approaches for alleviating stress and promoting family well-being in varied caregiving contexts.