School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Dec 18;17(24):9519. doi: 10.3390/ijerph17249519.
We assessed the mental health of parents (N = 1450, = 40.76) of special needs children during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted an online survey comprising items on demographic data; two self-designed questionnaires (children's behavioral problems/psychological demand of parents during COVID-19); and four standardized questionnaires, including the General Health Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support, Parenting Stress Index, and Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five Factor Inventory. The results showed that there were significant differences among parents of children with different challenges. Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder were more likely to have mental health problems compared to parents whose children had an intellectual disability or a visual or hearing impairment. Behavioral problems of children and psychological demands of parents were common factors predicting the mental health of all parents. Parent-child dysfunctional interactions and parenting distress were associated with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Family support, having a difficult child, and parenting distress were associated with having children with an intellectual disability. It is necessary to pay attention to the parents' mental health, provide more social and family support, and reduce parenting pressures.
我们评估了新冠疫情期间特殊需求儿童家长（N=1450， =40.76）的心理健康状况。我们进行了一项在线调查，其中包含人口统计学数据的项目；两个自行设计的问卷（儿童的行为问题/父母在新冠疫情期间的心理需求）；以及四个标准化问卷，包括一般健康问卷、感知社会支持、父母压力指数和神经质外向开放五因素量表。结果表明，不同挑战的儿童的家长之间存在显著差异。与智力残疾或视力或听力障碍的儿童的家长相比，自闭症谱系障碍儿童的家长更有可能出现心理健康问题。儿童的行为问题和父母的心理需求是预测所有家长心理健康的共同因素。亲子功能失调互动和育儿困扰与自闭症谱系障碍儿童的家长有关。家庭支持、有困难的孩子和育儿困扰与智力残疾儿童的家长有关。有必要关注家长的心理健康，提供更多的社会和家庭支持，减轻育儿压力。
