SENSE OF COMPETENCE IN PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH SENSORY DISABILITIES – A SURVEY

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to determine the sense of competency among the parents of children with sensory disabilities. Disability of any type and degree in the family adversely affects the entire family. This demands great responsibility and accompanies with a set of challenges in terms of managing a growing need for extra care, time, available support and dealing with the limitations of a child. The parents frequently feel fear, frustration, helplessness and guilt for not being able to help their child further. It results in feeling of incompetent as parents, consequently affecting parenting practices and well-being of the child.

         112 mothers of children with sensory disabilities completed self-reporting of sense of competency scale showing mixed results. Statistical Cramer’s V test showed significant association between sense of competence of parents with sensory disabilities and type of family, with other variables. The study focuses on empowering parents in adjusting and adapting to their parenting role in positively influencing the development of child with special needs and reflecting on important role of joint family to cope up and adjust to the changing circumstances of everyday challenges.