Factors that Influence Parental Stress When Caring for Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

Ping Lu, Aizan Sofia Amin, Nor Jana Saim

Abstract


Parents of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) often experience role-related stress and difficulties in caring for them. Therefore, this systematic literature review (SLR) explores the factors that may affect the parents’ stress of children with ID based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards. This study used Scopus and Web of Sciences databases and screened 269 articles from 2015 to 2024. After evaluating the quality of the articles through the mixed methods assessment tool (MMAT), 19 articles were finally selected. This review identified three main themes through the thematic analysis method: children, parental, and environmental factors. Children factors include three sub-themes: behavioural problems, skills, and educational needs. Whilst parental factors consisted of four sub-themes: emotional distress, caregiving challenges, concerns about the child's future, and parents' demographic characteristics. The environmental factor’s theme represents four sub-themes: economy, social discrimination, social support, and Impact of the COVID-19. In summary, This SLR provides a conceptual framework for future studies to explore the factors influencing stress in parents of children with ID, to understand the stressors faced by parents of children with ID from multiple perspectives, and to provide insights for targeted support strategies aimed at reducing parental stress and enhancing well-being in families of children with ID.

 


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