Abstract
Purpose : The purpose of this study was to clarify associated associate with stress and needs and social support for families with mentally retarded children, families with special needs education school of mentally retarded children. Method : We distributed anonymous personal response questionnaires to 594 members of families with mentally retarded children in special needs education schools, to be answered at home. A total of 453 (76.3%) questionnaires were collected, of which 436 (73.4%) provided valid responses. The questionnaire survey focused on affection and action support, sources of support, stress, and family needs. Items on sources of support and on family needs were analyzed by factor analysis. The data were analyzed by using t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson correlation. Result : Higher scores of stress were associated with nuclear families and with the mentally retarded children going to hospital and having to take medicine. Their families had greater need for treatment information/consultation, and for people's understanding, and for a better treatment environment for autistic children and for those from 6 to 14 years old. Significant relations with mentally retarded children were found among 6-11 years old, and with going to the hospital and having to take medicine, and with families, were found to be the nuclear family, and mothers' occupation. For mentally retarded children's families, a positive correlation was seen in affection dynamic, active support, family, friends, the vicinity, the nature of education, the medical institution, and each related organization support. Discussion : The importance of people's information exchanges and a related organizations for mentally retarded children's families, was suggested.
