Graduate Program
Family and Consumer Studies
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Semester of Degree Completion
2012
Thesis Director
Lisa Taylor
Thesis Committee Member
Jacquelyn Frank
Thesis Committee Member
Karla Kennedy-Hagan
Abstract
The current study examined how parents of children with disabilities use coping strategies 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.
Recommended Citation
Haaksma, Danielle, "Coping strategies in parents raising children with disabilities" (2012). Masters Theses. 832.
https://thekeep.eiu.edu/theses/832
