Coping and psychological distress of Chinese parents of children with down syndrome

Abstract

Examined the relation between coping and psychological distress experienced by Chinese parents of children with Down's syndrome (DS). 174 parents (aged 22–46 yrs) of 108 children (aged 1–12 yrs) with DS, language delay (LD), or normal development completed measures of parental coping, general health, life orientation, and self-mastery. The 3 groups of parents differed in their use of coping styles. Parents of children with DS used avoidance coping more frequently than others, and parents of children with DS and LD reported using more self-reliance coping strategies. Avoidance and self-mastery were robust correlates of parental distress. Mothers reported more frequent use of various coping styles and low levels of mastery and optimism.