Faith as a Coping Mechanism for Parents of Children with Down Syndrome

Raising a child with Down syndrome (DS) brings numerous challenges for families globally. Physical, emotional, social, and financial strains are common. As a result, parents often rely on various coping mechanisms, including religious coping. A recent review of studies published between 2000 and 2023, from databases like Pubmed and Scopus, explored how parents worldwide use religion to manage the stresses associated with having a child with DS. The review included studies from countries like the USA, Egypt, and Turkey. Over 4, 000 participants from diverse cultural backgrounds shared their experiences.

Seven key stressors were identified: lack of information, caregiving responsibilities, family dynamics, financial issues, social and professional support challenges, societal misconceptions, and worries about the future. The most used coping scale was one that focused on problem-solving. Religious coping was the primary strategy in most studies. For many parents, belief in God or a higher power was crucial. It helped them accept their child's condition, find strength, and improve their family's life. Religion played a vital role in adapting to their children's needs and offered mental peace and hope. It also motivated them to continue moving forward. In conclusion, religion plays a significant role in the lives of parents with children who have DS. Regardless of their religious beliefs or cultural background, faith provides emotional, mental, and social support.

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