Parents' Role and Stressors toward their Children with Speech and Language Problems

Abstract

Children with Speech and Language problems constitute a significant group in our society. There is no doubt that, human life depended largely on language and speech, as a means of expression and communication. The aim of the study was to assess the mothers' role and stressors toward their children with speech and language problems. Settings: The study was carried out at the pediatric phonology outpatient clinic affiliated toAin Shams and Tanta University Hospitals.Subject 114 mothers and their children, who suffering from speech and language problems, aged range from 3 years to 6 years and both genders (boys and girls).Tools: Data were collected using Interview Questionnaire sheet to assess mothers' knowledge about speech and language problems in children, assess the mothers' role toward their children with speech and language problems, Child Development Assessment sheet to assess growth & development of children and assessment mothers' stressors. The Results revealed that, 61.4% of mothers had unsatisfactory knowledge regarding speech and language problems in children, as regard mothers' role assessment the study finding revealed that, 56.1% of mothers' satisfactory score of their role. In relation to total mother's stressors, it was found that, 38.6% and 42.1% of them had severe and moderate stressors respectively. Conclusion, In the light of the study findings, it can be concluded that, the mothers were having some shortage concerning their role toward physical care, communication, learning and psychological role for their children with speech and language problems. Also, the study concluded that, the mothers facing many stressors, including their children's behaviors, psychological stressors, role function, marital relationship, social stressors, and physical stressors. The Recommendation, Emphasis on parent's awareness and the knowledge about the different stages of speech and language development in children and implementation of psychotherapy sessions for the parents of children with speech and language problems to overcome and alleviate their stressors.

Key words: parents' role, parents' stressors, speech problems, language problems.