Attitudes of parents towards their mentally retarded children: a rural area examination
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Date
2002
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Abstract
This study examined attitudes of parents towards their mentally retarded children in rural areas of Zululand. The study sample was obtained from a local hospital, a clinic and a special school for the mentally retarded in the Zululand area.
The findings of this study revealed that parents in rural areas of Zululand have positive attitudes towards their mentally retarded children. There were no differences between the attitudes of mothers and fathers with both parents having more positive attitudes. This study further revealed that parents in rural areas of Zululand loved and accepted their mentally retarded children. However, the majority of parents were found to be disappointed by having a mentally retarded child and expressed feelings of embarrassment.
In the light of these findings further research areas is recommended with the aim of using such information to build appropriate and successful rehabilitation and intervention programs for mentally retarded children and their parents.
Description
A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts (Clinical Psychology) in the Department of Psychology University of Zululand, 2002.
Keywords
Children with mental disabilities--Family relationships., Parent and child.