Evaluating Parenting Experience and Impact of Having Children With Disabilities During COVID-19
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the experience of parenting (coping, stress, self-efficacy, social support, well-being) and child behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic for parents with and without children with an individualized educational plan (IEP). The COVID-19 pandemic made for challenging times for all individuals, but parents especially had to adapt their lives to accommodate the needs of their children. Parents of children with an IEP had added responsibility while navigating telehealth services for their child. One hundred eighty-two caregivers were recruited for this study to complete a set of questionnaires examining their experiences during COVID-19. Results indicated that for parents with a child with an IEP, stress, and self-efficacy predicted child behavior. Child behavior, social support, and problem-solving coping were predictors of parent stress. For the parents without a child with an IEP, parent stress and escape-avoidance were predictors of child behavior and child behavior was predictive of parent stress. Mean differences were found between parents of children with an IEP and those without in their reported stress and child’s behavior. A deeper understanding of the different experiences between these two groups during national health crises can help foster improved prevention and intervention programs for unprecedented times.
Subject Area
Psychology|Education
Recommended Citation
Bucceri, Brittany, "Evaluating Parenting Experience and Impact of Having Children With Disabilities During COVID-19" (2023). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30690245.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30690245
