Distress in parents of cochlear implanted children: Results of a survey

Introduction

Parental stress endangers the own mental stability and is considered as a factor for dysfunctional parental behavior (Tröster 2011). Parents of hearing impaired children face stressful challenges that can even persist after a cochlear implantation (CI) of their child.

Materials and Methods

The cross-sectional analysis captured the level of stress in a group of n  = 112 parents of cochlear implanted children with the German version of the Parental Stress Index (PSI; Tröster 2011). The outcome was analyzed via means, non-parametric Tests, and correlation coefficients.

Results

Overall, the group of parents were stressed above average compared to the standard sample (median  = 59 on the t value scale). Prominent were higher scores related to the features of the child (median  = 62 on the t value scale). Related to parental functions, the subscale “Depression” stood out. A negative correlation between the hearing age of the child and the parental stress level suggests a relieving effect of the CI (Pearson rho  = -0.151) as well as of the supportive aftercare for the families. Solo parents showed significantly higher stress levels related to the traits of the child (median  = 65 on the t value scale; p  = 0.009).

Summary

Parental stress was above average in the examined sample. Main stressors related to the features of the child. A tendentially decreasing level of stress could indicate positive effects of the CI and/or the integrated support for the families. Families of children with CI should be continuously accompanied by therapists.

Publication History

Article published online:
24 May 2022