Coping Strategies and Quality of Life among Parents of Children in Special Education

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the influence of coping strategies on the quality of life among parents of children in special education. Guided by the objectives of assessing quality of life, identifying coping strategies, and determining the relationship and influence between the two, the research employed a descriptive comparative design. A total of 200 parents from special education schools in and around Hassan district were selected through convenient sampling. Data were collected using the WHO Quality of Life Scale (Kannada Version) and the Coping Strategies Scale by A.K. Srivatsa. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis were utilized for data analysis. The results revealed significant inter-correlations between certain coping strategies, such as a negative correlation between behavioural and cognitive-avoidance strategies. However, no significant relationship was found between any coping strategy and overall quality of life. Furthermore, regression analysis indicated that coping strategies did not significantly predict quality of life, accounting for only 0.7% of the variance. These findings suggest that while coping strategies may interact with one another, they do not have a significant direct influence on the quality of life among this population, highlighting the need to explore additional factors that may impact parental well-being.