Psychological Predictors Among Caregivers of Children with Special Needs

Background: Caregivers of children with special needs often experience significant psychological challenges due to the increased demands of caregiving. These challenges can affect their mental health and overall well-being. Understanding factors associated with parenting stress, anxiety, depression, caregiver burden, and resilience is important for developing effective support services. Aim: The study aimed to assess parenting stress, anxiety and depression, caregiver burden, and resilience among caregivers of children with special needs and to identify significant demographic and caregiving-related predictors of these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative research design was used. The sample consisted of 57 caregivers of children with special needs selected through purposive sampling in Karnataka. Data were collected using the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form (PSI-SF), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI), Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and a demographic information sheet. Descriptive statistics and stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: Caregivers reported high parenting stress (M = 106.54, SD = 19.14), moderate anxiety and depression (M = 15.33, SD = 6.65), considerable caregiver burden (M = 17.77, SD = 7.31), and moderate resilience (M = 34.86, SD = 6.68). Child diagnosis, child age, family size, socioeconomic status, duration of caregiving, house type, type of residence, and nature of marriage significantly predicted psychological outcomes. The regression models explained substantial variance in parenting stress, anxiety, and depression, caregiver burden, and resilience. Conclusion: Caregivers face considerable psychological challenges influenced by child-related and family-related factors. Targeted psychosocial interventions and resilience-building programs are needed to enhance caregiver well-being.