Relationship between Psychological Well-Being and Coping Strategies among Family Caregivers of Children with Down Syndrome

Abstract

DS (DS) is the most common chromosomal abnormality among live-born infants. The task of rearing a child with DS is among the most demanding and stressful tasks that family may face. Extra-care and extra-attention is necessary and may be an additional source for family caregivers‟ worries and fears. They more frequently suffer from more strained emotional relationships, a higher rate of depression, modified work and leisure activities, a limited social life, greater time constraints due to care demands, as well as economic and financial difficulties. So, it requires use of effective coping strategies that may have a buffering effect on psychological well-being in family caregivers of children with DS. These coping strategies may include: 1) problem-focused coping, which is directed on dealing with the source of stress, reducing environmental demands or increasing personal resources, 2) emotion-focused coping, which is concentrated on controlling emotional response to a stressful situation. Aim of the study This study aimed at assessing the relationship between psychological well-being and coping strategies among family caregivers of children with DS through answering the following