Managing Stress Levels of Parents of Children With Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-Analytic Review of Interventions

• In Event: Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: Special Education and Social Well-Being of Students

Abstract

The current study is a meta-analytic review examining interventions targeted at reducing the stress levels of parental caregivers of children with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. This review attempts to examine the efficacy of these interventions and potential moderators to their effects. Comparison group studies conducted in North America with parent stress interventions and stress outcome measures were included in this review. Six studies were identified meeting this studies criteria, reporting an overall effect of d = 0.51. In sum, stress management interventions were found to effectively reduce the reported stress of parents caring for children with developmental disabilities. Implications of these findings and need for further exploration are discussed.

Author

• Endia J. Lindo, University of North Texas