Vulnerability to Depression in Mother of Emotionally Handicapped Children

Abstract

In the present study, it was hypothesized that mothers of emotionally handicapped children will be more vulnerable to depression as compared to the mothers of physically handicapped children. Mothers of emotionally handicapped children from lower socio-economic status will be more depressed as compared to the mothers of emotionally handicapped children from upper socio-economic status. Less educated mothers of emotionally handicapped children will be more depressed as compared to the educated mothers of emotionally handicapped children. Younger mothers of emotionally handicapped children will be more depressed as compared to the older mothers of emotionally handicapped children. In order to test these hypotheses the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was given to 300 mothers. Sample was divided into 3 groups, 100 mothers of emotionally handicapped children, 100 mothers of physically handicapped children and 100 mothers of healthy children. Z-test was applied in order to get statistical significance of the results. The results of the present study show that the mothers of emotionally handicapped children were more depressed than the mothers of physically handicapped children. The mothers of emotionally handicapped children from lower socio- economic status were more depressed than the mothers from upper socio- economic status. The level of depression was also greater in the less educated mothers of emotionally handicapped children. Young mothers of emotionally handicapped children were more depressed than the older mothers.