Coping Methods of Parents with Children Who Have Down’s Syndrome: A Case Study of Parents Who Were Members of Down Syndrome Society of Kenya
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Date
2014-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to establish the coping methods used by parents of children with Down’s syndrome. Its objectives were to establish the coping methods employed by parents having children with Down’s syndrome, identify the challenges faced by parents having children with Down’s syndrome, explore ways in which parents having children with Down’s syndrome could be supported to cope with challenges and explore services available for parents in Down Society of Kenya. The study employed case study design and its target population was mothers and fathers of children with DS and who were members of DSSK, Nairobi branch. The society had a population of 200 parents with children having DS. Purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 10 respondents. In-depth interviews were used in data collection which was analyzed thematically, where data was organized by coding data into sub-themes for reporting and interpretation. The results indicated that the most helpful coping methods reported by parents were social support, family support and information seeking about DS. Further, parents of children with DS and their children faced stigmatization from a society that did not understand and which the respondents felt was more judgmental than supportive. Most parents had no specific method and consequently resigned themselves to God. Since what they were going through was beyond their comprehension, they found solace in surrendering their situation to God. The study concluded that, awareness raising activities need to be particularly focused upon and formation of self-advocacy groups, to reduce negative attitudes associated with DS. Recommendations for future research included carrying out of longitudinal studies that would examine parental coping throughout the life cycle of the individual with DS and family living with these individuals. Implications were made for professionals working with families who have children with DS.
Description
Master of Arts
in Child Development
Keywords
Down’s Syndrome, Down Syndrome Society of Kenya
Citation
Koros, E. J. (2014). Coping Methods of Parents with Children Who Have Down’s Syndrome: A Case Study of Parents Who Were Members of Down Syndrome Society of Kenya. Daystar University, School of Human and Social Sciences