Religious Orientation and Psychological Distress among Parents of Mentally Retarded Children

The present study was an attempt to assess religious orientation and psychological distress as well as to find out relationship of religious orientation with psychological distress among parents of mentally retarded children. Parents of mentally retarded children were also compared on religious orientation and psychological distress with respect to their gender. The data for the present study was obtained from parents of mentally retarded children [N=200 (Fathers 90 & Mothers 110)] belonging to various districts of Kashmir valley. The data collected was analyzed by using appropriate statistical techniques like Pearson’s product moment correlation and t-test. The results showed significant negative correlation between intrinsic religious orientation and psychological distress. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was found between extrinsic religious orientation and psychological distress. Significant difference was also found among parents of mentally retarded children on intrinsic religious orientation and psychological distress with respect to their gender. However, no significant difference was found among parents of mentally retarded children on extrinsic religious orientation with respect to their gender.