Exploring Psychosocial Challenges Of Children With Mental Retardation From Family Perspective In The Case Of Adama No-2 Elementary School

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to explore the Psychosocial Challenges of Children with Mental Retardation are facing. The study was conducted in Adama, at No-2 Elementary School. The study followed on exploratory and descriptive research method. Fourteen (14) participants were selected using purposive sampling. The study utilized qualitative research tools to explore the deep feelings of the participants. FGD and Semi-structured interview were developed and used to explore the stated problems. The study analyzed and discussed data by using thematic analysis. Findings obtained from the study showed that children with mental retardation are facing different psychosocial challenges like stigma, discrimination, isolation, blame, shame, frustration, feeling of upset, self-insult, loneliness, losing respect, despairing (feeling of no hope), insult, anger and sadness. On the other hand, praying(Do’a), helping each other, reaction formation (insulting who insulted them), developing wishful thinking, and limiting one’s interaction were some of the mechanisms explored from this study. The study finally recommends some measures to curb the negative belief systems of the communities towards the children with mental retardation.