J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2009 Oct;15(4):409-416.

Effects of Child-rearing Stress and Empowerment on Quality of Life in Caregivers of Children with Disabilities

• Eo YS
• Kim MJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was designed to identify how parenting stress and empowerment affect the quality of life in caregivers of children with disabilities. METHODS: Caregivers assuming parenting responsibilities for children with disabilities under 18 yr of age were recruited at 8 local welfare centers, homes for children with disabilities, and parent associations in U city. They were asked to complete a questionnaire in a face to face interview or by self-report, and 265 data units were analyzed with stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: Parenting stress, empowerment and monthly income were statistically significant explaining 39% of the variance. Among the subconstructs of parenting stress and empowerment, parental distress (beta=-.42, t=-6.45) and competence (beta=.30, t=3.59) significantly influenced quality of life. Among the general characteristics, monthly income (beta=.10, t=2.01) was found to be significantly related to quality of life. CONCLUSION: Nurses who work with children with disabilities and their caregivers need to focus on parental distress and competence to improve the quality of life of caregivers and to stimulate development in children with disabilities.

Keyword

Child-rearing stress; Empowerment; Quality of life

MeSH Terms

Caregivers
Child
Disabled Children
Humans
Mental Competency
Parenting
Parents
Power (Psychology)
Quality of Life
Child Health
Surveys and Questionnaires