Psychosocial experiences and coping strategies of parents of children with Cerebral Palsy in Zambia

Abstract

The general purpose of this study was to inquire into the psychosocial experiences of
parents of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Lusaka, Zambia. The study investigated
the psychological and social experiences of parents of children with CP, how parents
cope with their children’s condition of CP, and parents’ perceptions of the life prospects
of their children living with CP using the phenomenological design. The study
conveniently selected eight parents of children with Cerebral Palsy at two Special Needs
Education schools who met the inclusion criteria. The study used in-depth interview guide
to collect data. Data were analysed through the inductive thematic analysis to answer the
research questions. Major findings of the study showed that parents were emotionally
and financially affected by the gravity of the disability of their children; they faced
stigmatization from society; parents largely depended on spiritual reserves for support in
coping with the calamity of having a child with CP. In addition, parents showed
unwavering belief in the ability of their children to overcome adversity and achieve some
level of success. The paper recommends that psychosocial counselling and financial
support be provided to parents of children with CP.

Keywords: Caregivers, cerebral palsy, coping mechanisms, disability, psychosocial
experiences