Stress and Age: A Comparison of Asian American and Non-Asian American Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

This study examined parental stress differences between Asian American and non-Asian American parents of children with developmental disabilities (DD). This study also explored correlations of the age of children with DD and the age of their parents with the level of stress in these parents. Participants were administered the Parental Stress Index and a general questionnaire. Both groups reported high, comparable stress levels. However, Asian American parents experienced a significantly higher level of stress that was related to children’s characteristics of disability than their non-Asian counterparts. Results also indicate that while the age of children with DD is the best correlate of parental stress for non-Asian American parents, the age of parents is the best correlate of parental stress for Asian American parents. Implications of the findings for social work practice are discussed.