Anxieties and Coping Strategies of Parents Having Children with Cerebral Palsy

Clinton John  Colcol,; Orland Jae   Jerusalem,; Mar Sherwin   Pagaran,

Anxieties and Coping Strategies of Parents Having Children with Cerebral Palsy

Clinton John Colcol | Orland Jae Jerusalem | Mar Sherwin Pagaran

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

This qualitative study aimed to delve into the nuanced experiences, challenges, coping mechanisms, and the acceptance journey of parents raising children diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research involved conducting indepth interviews with parents referred by the Maharlika Charity Foundation. The findings illuminated diverse levels of comprehension regarding cerebral palsy among the participants, with acceptance of the condition seen to evolve gradually over time. Financial constraints emerged as a significant hurdle for parents, compounded by societal stigma and misconceptions surrounding the condition. Despite these obstacles, parents demonstrated remarkable resilience, actively engaging in caregiving and seeking support from their social networks. Family support played a pivotal role in ameliorating both the emotional and financial burdens associated with raising a child with cerebral palsy, emphasizing the importance of a robust support system. The journey towards acceptance of the child's condition emerged as a critical milestone in the parental experience, fostering a sense of adaptation and strength. Through their narratives, parents showcased a spectrum of coping strategies, ranging from practical caregiving approaches to seeking solace in religious faith. The study underscores the necessity of tailored support systems to assist families in navigating the multifaceted challenges inherent in raising a child with cerebral palsy. Ultimately, it sheds light on the resilience and resourcefulness of parents in facing the complexities of caring for a child with special needs within their familial and societal contexts.

References:

Allam, F. C., & Martin, M. M. (2021). Issues and challenges in special education: A qualitative analysis from teacher’s perspective. Southeast Asia Early Childhood Journal, 10(1), 37-49. https://doi.org/10.37134/saecj.vol10.1.4.2021
Andreja Siliunas, A., Small, M.L. & Wallerstein, J. (2018). We can help, but there’s a catch: Nonprofit organizations and access to government-funded resources among the poor. Journal of Organizational Ethnography. ISSN: 2046-6749. Retrieved from https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JOE-04-2018-0018/full/html
Baker, T. L., Wise, J., Kelley, G., & Skiba, R. J. (2016). Identifying barriers: Creating solutions to improve family engagement. School Community Journal, 26(2), 161-184.
Carey, A.C., Block, P. & Scotch, R.K. (2020). Allies and obstacles: disability activism and parents of children with disabilities. Dokumen.pub. Retrieved at https://dokumen.pub/allies-and-obstacles-disability-activism-and-parents-of-children-with-disabilities-2019042677-2019042678-9781439916322-9781439916339-9781439916346.html
Bunijevac, M. (2017). Parental involvement as a important factor for successful education. Center for Educational Policy Studies Journal, 7(3), 137-153.
Elliott, C. (2013). Teaching students who are gifted and talented. a handbook for teachers. Retrieved from https://www.gov.nl.ca/education/files/k12_studentsupportservices_publications_teachingstudentsgiftedtalented.pdf
Kim, A., Jeon, S., & Park, I. (2023). Influence of Parenting Guilt on the Mental Health among Single-Parent Women: Multiple Additive Moderating Effect of Economic Well-Being and Level of Education. In Healthcare (Vol. 11, No. 13, p. 1814). MDPI.
Llemit, Ralph Lawrence. “Group Aims to Support Cerebral Palsy Patients.” Edge Davao, 9 Oct. 2018, edgedavao.net/latest-news/2018/10/09/group-aims-to-support-cerebral-palsy-patients/.
Maguvhe, M., Mphahlele, R.S. & Moonsamy, S. (2021). Empowering students and maximising inclusiveness and equality through ICT. Retrieved from https://brill.com/display/title/57631
National Institutes of Health (2022). What is cerebral palsy? Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/cerebral-palsy
Hosany, A. S., & Hamilton, R. W. (2023). Family responses to resource scarcity. Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, 51(6), 1351-1381.
Sheikh, N.M., Shahzadi, N. & Khan, Z.H. (2023). Shaping self-perception: the intricate relationship between self-concept self-image and body dysmorphic disorder. Journal of Positive School Psychology http://journalppw.com
Singogo, C., Mweshi, M., & Rhoda, A. (2015). Challenges experienced by mothers caring for children with cerebral palsy in Zambia. The South African journal of physiotherapy, 71(1)
Tenny, Steven, et al. “Qualitative Study.” National Library of Medicine, StatPearls Publishing, 18 Sept. 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470395/.
Williams, R. (2017). Anger as a basic emotion and its role in personality building and pathological growth: The neuroscientific, developmental and clinical perspectives. Frontiers in psychology, 8, 308130.
Yang, C., Gao, H., Li, Y., Wang, E., Wang, N., & Wang, Q. (2022). Analyzing the role of family support, coping strategies and social support in improving the mental health of students: evidence from post COVID-19. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 1064898.
Zagreb. Parenting in the Best Interests of the Child and Support to Parents of the Youngest Children with Disabilities. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/croatia/media/1421/file/Parenting%20in%20the%20best%20interests%20of%20the%20child.pdf