Stress in Egyptian parents of children with developmental disabilities. The moderating effect of social support

Abstract

BackgroundResearch shows that parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs) are at increased risk for elevated stress. Child adaptive functioning as well as social supports are key factors influencing stress in parents. However, few studies have examined the interaction between these variables and their contribution to perceived stress especially in Egyptian parents. AimsThe present study investigated the relationship between parenting stress, child adaptive functioning, and social supports. It also examined the moderating role of social support in the relationship between child adaptive functioning and stress in Egyptian parents of children with DDs. MethodSixty-four Egyptian parents of children with DDs completed assessment measures of parenting stress, child adaptive functioning, and social supports. ResultsParenting stress was negatively associated with child adaptive functioning and informal social supports. However, there was no association between parenting stress and formal social supports. In addition, level of informal social support had a moderating effect on the relationship between child adaptive functioning and level of parenting stress. ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of interventions that reduce child-related stressors, particularly low adaptive functioning. Programs that address parenting stress and promote effective informal and formal social supports are crucial to help parents cope with stress.