Psychological Stress and Competencies among Parents of Children with Learning Disabilities

Background: Learning Disabilities are heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by the unexpected failure of children to acquire, retrieve and use information competently. Aim; This study aimed to assess level of psychological stress and competencies among parents of children with learning disabilities. Study design; A descriptive research design was utilized to conduct this study. Setting; This study was conducted at four private centers of learning disabilities at Zagazig city (the most important center in each zone (eastern, western, northern, southern) Namaa center, Ataa center, early intervention & child development center, and tamkeen center). Subject; Convenient sample of 70 parents of children with learning disabilities were chosen for conducting this study. Data collection tools; 1) Socio-demographic data sheet, 2) parent stress index, 3) parenting sense of competence scale. Results; The results of this study showed that there was significant relationship between level of psychological stress and competencies and having children with learning disabilities among parents. Conclusion; The study concluded that parents of children with learning disabilities had high levels of psychological stress and low level of competencies. Recommendation; Specialized supporting groups for both parents and children with learning disabilities, for rehabilitation and counseling.