engleski

Parenting Stress and Early Interaction of Mother and Child with Neurodevelopmental Risks

OBJECTIVE: There are many factors, looking from biological and psychosocial context, that could have unfavorable influence on the child’s development. One of the risk factors in the development of the good parent-child interaction is parental stress. Objective of this research was to establish the influence of the neurodevelopmental risks, child’s birth weight and gestational age on the mother’s assessment of parental stress. METHODS: Study participants were mothers of children of chronological ages of 1-36 months (n = 99). The sample was divided into two sub-samples: the first consisted of mothers of children born with neurodevelopmental risks, and the second sub-sample consisted of mothers of children without risk. RESULTS: Significantly higher stress level at the Parental Stress Index at mothers of the children with neurodevelopment risks was obtained in variables Reinforces Parent, Adaptability, Mood, Attachment to Child, Health, Social isolation and Spouse. Considerably higher stress level was recorded at the mothers of children born with less than 2500 g. Regarding child’s gestational age in the assessment of the parental stress, no statistically significant differences among examinees have been recorded. CONCLUSIONS: In order to ensure maximal welfare for the children and their development, it is important to ensure support to the parents so as they could in the best way and in the framework of their capabilities fulfill their parental role. Starting step in that process is the evaluation of the parental stress. Only then it shall be possible to give corresponding support and to refer to other necessary services.

child with neurodevelopmental risks; parenting stress; early interaction

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