Raising Exceptional Children: Assessment of Stress and Coping in Adoptive Parents

Abstract

An exceptional child is defined as a child who has learning and/or behavior difficulty, physical disabilities, or sensory impairments. This mixed method study investigated levels of stress, adaptation of adoptive parents, and the relationship building/bonding process as it relates to exceptional children and their adoptive parents. This exploratory study included 10 adoptive families who were located throughout North Carolina. Quantitative data related to stress was measured using a modified version of the Parent Stress Index (M-PSI). Data were analyzed using a Pearson Correlation to determine whether child characteristics (adaptability, distractibility, and acceptability) directly affected parental characteristics (parental depression, parental competence, and role restriction). Qualitative data collected consisted of a parent questionnaire of open ended questions that related to parental competence, parental stress, parental depression, and coping strategies. Positive correlations were found between parent and child characteristics and themes generated through the parental questionnaire were consistent throughout both quantitative and qualitative data. Presence of support systems was stated as important for adoptive parents when raising their exceptional child(ren) with coping skills demonstrated by parents including prayer, rest, and talking with others.