Abstract
The current study examined how parents of children with disabilities use copingstrategies to manage stress and mental health. A convenience sample of twenty-five
parents completed a survey developed by the researcher. Findings showed that the
coping strategies used the most included talking to family members, followed by
purposeful planning, talking to friends outside the family and learning to accept the
situation. In addition, the mothers in this sample used adaptive coping, talked to friends
and utilized purposeful planning more often than the fathers did. Positive reinterpretation
of the situation and escape avoidance were the only strategies that had a positive effect on
mental health. These findings are important to society because when families are raising a
child with a disability they need resources and strategies to help them function effectively
and reduce the stress in their lives. Social service agencies can teach and encourage
parents of children with disabilities how to use the positive coping strategies that have a
positive effect on mental health.
| Date of Award | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Original language | American English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Lisa Taylor (Supervisor) |