ABSTRACTThis current research delved into the psychosocial challenges of parents with children with disabilities in the Sunyani municipality. With the phenomenological design, the study employed a qualitative research approach to address specific research questions. The study was limited to parents with children with disabilities. Using a semi-structured interview guide, data …
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ABSTRACTThis current research delved into the psychosocial challenges of parents with children with disabilities in the Sunyani municipality. With the phenomenological design, the study employed a qualitative research approach to address specific research questions. The study was limited to parents with children with disabilities. Using a semi-structured interview guide, data was collected from eight parents who were selected through purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The study revealed that society believes that parents who have children with disabilities are because of their evil deeds in their past life. Also, the study showed that parents who give birth to children with disabilities feel degraded, disengaged, stigmatized, isolated and financially stressed. To overcome these psychosocial challenges, parents adopted prayers, acceptance, self-encouragement and support from family and society. To resolve the issues of stigmatization, anger, depression and worry as well as isolation and loneliness, the study proposed that counselling services must be available for such parents at the health centres and within the communities. It was also indicated by most parents that finances assumed a significant part in the development of the child. These expenses range from medical to spiritual consultation as well as transportation of the child. Children with disabilities require extra attention, care, and support, which has a direct impact on their parents, particularly mothers, so the process of treating the child should be made easier and explained to parents to ease their stress. The researcher recommends that group counselling should be organised for parents to have the opportunity to interact by sharing their stories and the experiences they commonly encounter and how they solve the challenges they encounter. TABLE OF CONTENTS DECLARATIONDEDICATIONACKNOWLEDGEMENTABSTRACTTABLE OF CONTENTSCHAPTER ONEINTRODUCTION1.1 Background to the Study1.2 Statement of the Problem1.3 Objectives of the Study1.3.1 General Objective1.3.2 Specific Objectives1.4 Research Questions1.5 Significance of the Study1.6 Delimitations1.7 Limitations1.8 Organization of the ChapterCHAPTER TWOLITERATURE REVIEW2.1 Introduction2.2 Theoretical Framework2.2.1 Theories of Parenthood2.2.2 Ecological System Theory2.2.2.1 Transactions within the Ecological System2.3 Definition of Concepts2.3.1 The Concept of Child Disability2.3.2 Beliefs about Cause of Disability2.3.2.1 Taboos and Punishment for Bad Deeds2.3.2.2 God's Intervention2.3.3 Attitudes Toward People with Disabilities2.3.4 Treatment of People with Disabilities2.3.5 Parenting a Child with Disability2.3.6 Anxiety among parents2.3.7 Effect of child disability on parent’s social life2.3.8 Coping Mechanisms When Raising a Child with a Disability2.3.8.1 Behavioural coping strategies2.3.8.2 Resources as coping strategies2.3.9 Intervention Programs2.3.9.1 Parent training programs2.3.9.2 Psychological interventions2.4 Empirical ReviewCHAPTER THREEMETHODOLOGY3.1 Introduction3.2 Study Area3.3 Research Type and Design3.4 Population3.5 Sample and Sampling Techniques3.6 Research Instruments3.7 Trustworthiness and Credibility3.7.1 Transferability3.7.2 Dependability3.7.3 Conformability3.8 Data Collection Procedures3.9 Data analysis3.10 Ethical ConsiderationsCHAPTER FOURRESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS4.1 Introduction4.2 Presentation of the Results4.2.1 The beliefs of parents of disabled children4.2.2 Perceived cause of disability4.2.3 Societal reactions4.2.4 The Effect of Child disability on parents’ social life4.2.5 Perception of the Society towards the Child4.2.6 Responses to Treatment4.2.7 Anxiety among Parents4.2.8 Coping Strategies4.3 Discussion of the ResultsSocietal ReactionsThe Effect of Child disability on parents’ social life Societal Problems Parents FaceProblems Associated with ChildcareFinancial Problems Parents FaceHealth Problems Experienced by the ParentsSociety’s Perception of the Disabled ChildCaregiver Coping MechanismsSupport and Health Care ServicesQuality of Care and Responses to TreatmentCoping StrategiesAnxiety among parentsCHAPTER FIVESUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS5.1 Introduction5.2 Summary of Major FindingsThe Beliefs of Parents of disabled childrenPerceived Cause of DisabilityMedicalSpiritualSocietal ReactionsThe Effect of Child Disability on parents’ social lifeProblems Experienced in Caring for the ChildChild’s futureFinancial challenges faced by parentsHealth Problems Faced by the ParentsPerception of the Society towards the ChildParent/Caregiver Coping MechanismsSupport and Health Care ServicesQuality of Care and Responses to TreatmentSupport Services.Coping StrategiesAnxiety among parents5.3 Conclusion5.4 RecommendationsImplications for counsellors5.5 Direction for Future StudiesREFERENCESAPPENDICES
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