Stress and Adaptation in Parents of Young Handicapped and Nonhandicapped Children: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Three questions were asked in this study; (1) Do parents of handicapped children experience more stress than parents of nonhandicapped children? (2) What are the sources of stress for parents of handicapped children? and (3) is stress in the parents of handicapped children mediated by an external factor of social support? Findings Indicate significantly greater stress in the families with handicapped children, and four factors are identified as significantly related to stress in these families. Perceived family support was significantly greater for families with handicapped children, and although nonsignificant (p < .057), findings suggest that families with handicapped children who have more support have less stress. Results are discussed in rotation to previous findings, particularly with regard to how the age of the child may be a critical factor determining family adjustment.