Child Behavior Problems as Predictors of Stress in Parents of Children with Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities in Four Emirates of the United Arab Emirates

Background: This study investigates the impact of behavior problems on stress that parents may experience due to raising children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, in relation to various child and parental characteristics. Method: 175 parents of children with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and with behavior problems from four Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) completed a quantitative questionnaire. Results: Parental stress was significantly correlated with children’s behavior problems as indicated by t-test, correlation, and regression analysis. Parents’ stress was also correlated with the type and severity of children’s disability, children’s gender, and children’s age group of 16–20 years. Parents’ stress increased with mothers’ age at 21–30 years and decreased where a housemaid was employed. However, parents’ stress was lowest when the housemaid provided no service to the child. There was no relationship between parents’ stress and their gender, level of education, or marital status. Conclusion: The UAE government and non-governmental groups should take steps to improve the psychological well-being of parents of children with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities and behavior problems, a key intervention being the enhancement of behavioral support services to such parents.