Parental Stress and Coping Mechanisms in Indian Families of Children with Neurological and Neurodevelopmental disorders: A Mixed Methods Study

Background: Parents of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders experience considerable psychological, social, and financial challenges. However, evidence integrating quantitative assessment of parental stress with qualitative exploration of caregiving experiences in the Indian context remains limited. This mixed-methods study evaluated parental stress, coping mechanisms, and lived experiences among Indian parents of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods study was conducted over five months among 50 mothers of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders attending a tertiary care teaching hospital. Quantitative data were collected using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), the Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP), and a structured sociodemographic questionnaire. Semi-structured interviews explored caregivers' lived experiences and coping strategies. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression, while qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. Results: The mean parental stress score was 49.06 ± 10.37, indicating substantial perceived stress. Parents of children with cerebral palsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder reported the highest stress levels, although differences across disorders were not statistically significant (p=0.051). CHIP II (maintaining social support, self-esteem, and psychological stability) demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with parental stress (r = −0.427, p = 0.002) and emerged as the strongest independent protective predictor in the final regression model (β = −0.658, p < 0.001), which explained 41.9% of the variance in stress. Higher socioeconomic status was independently associated with greater stress. Qualitative analysis identified six overarching themes: understanding the child's condition and diagnosis, daily life challenges and stress, coping mechanisms and support systems, healthcare experiences and resource utilization, impact on family life and work, and final reflections. Parents described emotional distress, financial burden, disruptions in family routines, and reliance on family support, spirituality, and peer networks to cope. Conclusions: Parental stress among Indian caregivers of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders is substantial and multifactorial. Social support and psychological coping resources play a central protective role. Family-centered interventions that strengthen caregiver support, improve healthcare communication, and integrate psychosocial services into pediatric neurodevelopmental care may reduce caregiver burden and improve family well-being.