Efficacy of Psychoeducation on Parents of Intellectually Disabled Children

The pressures frequently encountered by the parents of children with intellectual disability and the related impact on family life have been well documented. The study was undertaken to ascertain efficacy of the psycho educational support program for parents of children with intellectual disability. The study was aimed to reduce family burden and enhance well-being of parents of children with intellectual disability. To find out the association between post test scores and general well being and the perceived family burden of the parents of children with intellectual disability. A total of 20 parents having children with intellectual disability were selected through purposive sampling and consent was taken. They were randomly divided into control and experimental group. It was a pre and post assessment control group design. Data was collected using Family Burden Interview Schedule and PGI-General Well-Being Measure. During the sessions parents were given insight oriented psycho education, positive thinking skills and interpersonal communication skills. Results showes a statistically significant difference between groups, 2.5 months after intervention, program participants showed displaying less emotional distress than control group subjects. The positive directions of behavioral and attitudinal outcomes were in parents of experimental group was found. Thus, brief psycho education program and learning positive thinking skills and interpersonal communication skills resulted in important changes for parents of children with intellectual disability and also increased wellbeing and decreased sense of family burden.