Exploring Feelings of Worry and Sources of Stress during COVID-19 Pandemic among Parents of Children with Disability: A Sample from Arab Countries

Ibrahim Al-Qaryouti, Al-Sartawi, Abdelfattah, Rababah, Khlaifat , Awamleh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The study sought to explore feelings of worry and sources of stress-affected parents of
children with disabilities, as well as describing the negative feelings and how resources helped them
overcome stress due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Furthermore, we sought to assess the level
of general satisfaction with the services they have obtained remotely. Methodology: A sample of
623 parents of children with disabilities filled out an electronic self-report questionnaire during the
period June 4th to June 20th, 2020. Results: The parents reported a high level of worry regarding the
possibility of their child getting infected. Parents continue to worry about losing their child’s care
and treatment. Parents who hold a bachelor’s degree feel the sources of stress at a higher level compared to parents with lower than high school education. A proportion of 59% of parents reported
not receiving services from special education centers during the pandemic, and 41% of parents were
satisfied with the services provided by the center of special education. Parents with a bachelor’s
degree or higher were less satisfied with the center’s services. Parents with a higher qualification
than secondary school use several sources to overcome the pressure associated with educating a
child with a disability. Conclusion: Mental health fears were associated with pandemic restrictions.
The study recommends special education centers implement strategies that support parents with
special education children.
Original languageEnglish
JournalEduc. Sci
Volume11
Issue number216
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • mental health; satisfaction; children with disabilities; parents; COVID-19

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