Psycho-Social Problems of the Parents of the Mentally Retarded and the Non-Retarded Children in Rajshahi City

Abstract

Rearing a severe mentally retarded child by the family in the urban areas of Bangladesh appears to be very complex. The families are faced with many peculiar problems in such situations that include management, finance, lack of rest, lower leisure periods of the parents. Some families may cope very well and remain cohesive and creative units in which other children may grow up normally and happily. The presence of a mentally retarded child may overstrain some families. Though many of the parents possess potentials, are not being able to contribute significantly at home and in community as they mostly keep themselves confined at home with their mentally retarded children. If they can accept the reality, interact properly with others, they could lead a different life. In Bangladesh, the concerned professionals and counselors do not possess enough information and data in the related field. Sometimes they ignore many problem areas that should be given enough importance. The main objective of this study entitled 'Psychosocial problems of the parents of the mentally retarded and no retarded children in Rajshahi city' is to find out the number, nature and seriousness of the psychosocial problems of the parents of the mentally retarded children living in the city. And to compare their problems with the problems of the parents of the non- retarded children. In this study, one Case Study form to assess the mentally retarded children, an Information Blank for the parents, Adult form of the Mooney Problem Check List, and an attitude measuring scale were used as instruments. Purposively selected 60 parents (30 mothers and 30 fathers) of the mentally retarded children and 60 parents of a counter group non-retarded children responded the questionnaire and other instruments. On the basis of primary data, secondary data, free discussion with the parents and his personal observation the researcher concludes that the parents of the mentally retarded children face more psychosocial problems compared to the parents of the non-retarded children, mothers of the mentally retarded children possess more psychosocial problems compared to the fathers of the mentally retarded children, parents of the mentally retarded children of lower middle class socioeconomic group possess more psychosocial problems compared to the middle class and poor socioeconomic groups, and large majority of the parents of the mentally retarded children do not possess scientific knowledge related to the factors of mental retardation in Rajshahi city. In addition the researcher found that large majority of the lower middle class severely retarded children are being given psychotropic drugs which are creating more problems to the children and their parents. Considering his observation, the researcher strongly recommends the health wing of the City Corporation to undertake an appropriate measure to identify the mentally retarded children living in all the 30 wards of the city. Secondly, he recommends establishment of at least one Special Education School or Day Care Center in all the wards where these mentally retarded children should spend some time of the day. He thinks that during absence of these children from home in such schools or Day Centers, the mothers can at least take a break. The researcher also recommends both institutional and home based counseling programs for the parents to help them realize the exact condition of their handicapped children and plan what to do for them. From discussion with the parents, the researcher understood that some social welfare benefit or monthly pension from the Government for the mentally retarded persons would increase the social status of the mentally retarded persons and their parents. Finally the researcher strongly feels that a National Policy for the Mentally Retarded persons is urgently needed in Bangladesh that the NGOs cannot do trials and errors with them and their parents