Parental Stress And Social Support Among Caregivers Of Children With Special Needs: A Study In Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Keywords:
Parental Stress, Social Support, Children with Special Needs, CaregiversAbstract
Background: The journey of parenting a child with special needs is often associated with elevated levels of stress, which can profoundly impact the well-being of the caregiver. Social support has been widely recognized as a crucial buffer against these stressors, yet its role and effectiveness vary across different cultural and geographical contexts. This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by investigating the relationship between social support and perceived stress among parents of children with special needs in the localized setting of Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
Methods: This quantitative, descriptive-correlational study involved a sample of parents and primary caregivers of children with special needs residing in Tagbilaran City. Data were collected using validated self-report questionnaires to measure perceived stress and social support, along with a demographic survey. Statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation, was employed to assess the variables and their relationship.
Results: The findings revealed a significant level of perceived stress among the parent participants. The study also identified a strong network of social support, primarily from family members, although community and professional support were also noted. A significant negative correlation was found between perceived stress and social support, indicating that higher levels of social support were associated with lower levels of perceived stress.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the critical role of social support in mitigating parental stress in this population. The results highlight the importance of strengthening existing social networks and developing targeted community-based interventions to enhance support systems for these caregivers. The study's specific context provides a valuable foundation for future research in similar settings and informs the development of culturally sensitive support programs.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Leana A. Ramirez, Prof. Marcus J. De Leon
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