Early Child Development and Care
Volume 186, Issue 10, 2016, Pages 1594-1603

Indian immigrant parents of children with developmental disabilities: stressors and support systems (Article)

John A.* , Bower K. , McCullough S.
  • a Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, United States, Department of Social Work, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, United States
  • b Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, United States, Heartland Behavioral Health Services, Nevada, MO, United States
  • c Department of History, Philosophy, and Social Sciences, Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS, United States, Nevada Regional Medical Center, Nevada, MO, United States

Abstract

Although Asian Indians constitute one of the largest immigrant groups in the USA, research examining wellbeing among Indian immigrant families caring for a child with a developmental disability is relatively scarce. In response, this study examined the stressors and perceived quality of social support among Indian immigrant families of children and adolescents with a developmental disability in the USA. Thirty-three Indian immigrant parents of a child or an adolescent with a developmental disability participated in an online study. The participants reported a moderate level of stress overall, but over 54% participants considered long-term planning for accommodation, finding opportunities for child to make friends, child's diagnosis, and planning for socioemotional support as extremely stressful. Spouse and support groups were the most positively rated sources of support. Participant stress was negatively linked to perceived quality of formal support. This paper discusses the findings in the context of practice and research implications. © 2016 Taylor & Francis.

Author Keywords

stressors Indian immigrants support system Developmental disability

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84958046649&doi=10.1080%2f03004430.2015.1116297&partnerID=40&md5=4fb15c483422594f9d1a142eb8c99cb5
DOI: 10.1080/03004430.2015.1116297
ISSN: 03004430
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English