Methodological Issues in Research on Mental Health and Wellbeing of Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Literature Review

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Abstract

This literature review critically examines methodological approaches used in empirical research on the mental health and wellbeing of parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD). Guided by family systems theory and quality indicators of special education research, the review categorizes 45 peer-reviewed studies into quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods designs. Findings reveal a dominance of cross-sectional, correlational studies, with limited use of experimental, longitudinal, and culturally contextualized designs. While qualitative and mixed-methods studies offer rich insights, they remain underutilized. Key methodological challenges include sampling bias, over-reliance on self-reports, and lack of diversity and cultural relevance. This review highlights the need for more rigorous, inclusive, and ecologically grounded research to advance family-centered and justice-oriented practices in the field.

Author

• Jing Su, University of California - Santa Barbara