The Psychological and physical health, stress and needs of caregivers of children with disabilities enrolled in family-centered support programs

Abstract

Caregivers of children with disabilities, in comparison to caregivers of typical children, experience an exorbitant amount of stress, which can have detrimental effects on their physical and psychological health. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychological and physical health, stress, and needs of caregivers of children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 12, who were enrolled in family-centered support programs in Alberta, Canada. A cross-sectional survey design was used to compare the psychological and physical health, and stress levels of caregivers of children with disabilities with caregivers of typical children. The present study illustrated that caregivers of children with disabilities experienced an array of unmet needs, and high levels of depression, anxiety and stress, which were all associated with their frequency of socialization. Thus, families of children with disabilities may benefit from support services that reduce barriers to well-being and promote caregiver psychological and physical health.