An investigation into the coping strategies of parents raising children with disabilities in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State
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- NGN 5000
Background of the Study
Raising a child with disabilities poses unique challenges that extend beyond the immediate demands of daily care and education. In Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State, parents are often compelled to develop a range of coping strategies to navigate the complex landscape of social, economic, and educational barriers. These strategies are not only vital for managing the immediate challenges associated with disability care but also for fostering long-term resilience and well-being within the family unit. Parents in this region frequently encounter limited access to specialized healthcare, educational support, and community services, which can exacerbate stress and financial strain. The socio-cultural context of Lafia further complicates matters, as traditional beliefs and stigma surrounding disabilities often result in social isolation and marginalization (Emeka, 2023). In response, parents adopt various adaptive mechanisms, including seeking informal support networks, engaging in advocacy for better services, and developing home-based interventions to supplement formal care. Recent studies have documented that such coping strategies, though diverse, are critical for maintaining family stability and ensuring the holistic development of children with disabilities (Nwankwo, 2024). However, these coping mechanisms are frequently undermined by systemic inadequacies and a lack of institutional support, highlighting the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the factors that shape parental responses in this context. This study aims to explore the array of coping strategies employed by parents in Lafia LGA, focusing on how they manage the multifaceted challenges of raising children with disabilities. By examining the interplay between socio-economic pressures, cultural norms, and institutional deficiencies, the research seeks to illuminate the resilience strategies that parents develop in the face of adversity. The insights gained from this investigation are expected to contribute to the formulation of targeted support programs and policy interventions that can alleviate the burden on families, thereby promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment for children with disabilities (Emeka, 2023; Nwankwo, 2024; Adebayo, 2025).
Statement of the Problem
Parents raising children with disabilities in Lafia LGA face a myriad of challenges that significantly affect their emotional, financial, and social well-being. The lack of specialized healthcare services, educational facilities, and community support systems creates an environment where parents must rely heavily on personal coping strategies. Financial constraints are a recurring issue, as many families struggle to afford the additional costs associated with specialized care and adaptive learning tools. Moreover, societal stigma and negative cultural attitudes towards disabilities exacerbate feelings of isolation and stress among parents (Okafor, 2023). The scarcity of formal support structures means that many parents are left to devise their own methods of coping, ranging from creating informal networks of assistance to engaging in advocacy efforts aimed at improving local services. These coping strategies, while demonstrating resilience, often place a significant burden on parents, who must balance their caregiving responsibilities with other socio-economic demands. The lack of institutional support and government intervention further compounds the problem, leaving many families without the necessary resources to adequately support their children’s development and well-being. This study intends to investigate the coping strategies employed by parents in Lafia LGA, exploring the factors that influence their choice of strategy and the effectiveness of these approaches in mitigating the challenges they face. By providing a detailed analysis of the lived experiences of these parents, the research seeks to identify gaps in current support systems and recommend policy measures that could alleviate the pressures on families. Understanding these coping mechanisms is critical for developing interventions that not only support parents but also enhance the overall quality of life for children with disabilities in the region (Okafor, 2023; Nwankwo, 2024; Adebayo, 2025).
Objectives of the Study
• To identify and analyze the coping strategies adopted by parents raising children with disabilities in Lafia LGA.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of these coping strategies in addressing the challenges faced by families.
• To propose recommendations for enhancing support services for parents and children with disabilities.
Research Questions
• What coping strategies do parents in Lafia LGA employ to manage the challenges of raising children with disabilities?
• How effective are these strategies in mitigating financial, emotional, and social stress?
• What additional support mechanisms can be implemented to assist these families?
Research Hypotheses
• H1: Parents who employ diverse coping strategies experience lower levels of stress.
• H2: There is a significant relationship between the availability of informal support networks and the effectiveness of coping strategies.
• H3: Limited institutional support exacerbates the challenges faced by parents raising children with disabilities.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the adaptive strategies of parents raising children with disabilities in Lafia LGA. By examining the interplay of socio-economic, cultural, and institutional factors, the research provides insights that can inform the development of targeted support services and policy interventions, ultimately improving the quality of life for both parents and their children.
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study is limited to exploring the coping strategies of parents raising children with disabilities in Lafia LGA, Nasarawa State, and does not extend to other regions or aspects of disability support.
Definitions of Terms
• Coping Strategies: Methods or techniques used by individuals to manage stress and adversity.
• Support Networks: Informal or formal groups that provide emotional, social, or practical assistance.
• Institutional Support: Assistance provided by organizations or government agencies designed to help individuals cope with specific challenges.
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