Features of psychological states of parents of children with special educational needs

Abstract

The article analyzes the psychological states of parents raising children with special educational needs (SEN), taking into account the impact of chronic stress, emotional burnout, and fatigue. It has been established that the relevance of studying this issue is driven by the increasing challenges of modern society, linked to innovative changes in the educational environment and the social isolation of such families. The importance of this topic is further emphasized by the need for the timely implementation of effective psychological and pedagogical support to improve the quality of life of both parents and children. The analysis of the study data revealed that most parents experience elevated stress levels accompanied by emotional exhaustion and depressive symptoms. The majority of them exhibit a tendency to avoid traumatic situations, which exacerbates their social isolation. It has been determined that fatigue and exhaustion are common among respondents, caused by the high physical and psycho-emotional demands of caring for their children. Symptoms of emotional burnout manifest as chronic fatigue, reduced empathy toward others, and negative self-assessment of achievements. The study confirms that the primary factors of emotional burnout include social isolation, the need to adapt to the specific demands of the child, and limited opportunities for psycho-emotional recovery. The consequences of chronic stress and exhaustion include depressive disorders, deteriorated emotional states, and reduced quality of life. It was found that the most vulnerable group consists of parents raising children with severe developmental disorders. They demonstrate significantly lower levels of adaptive capacity and an increased risk of developing psychosomatic symptoms, including sleep disturbances, apathy, and emotional exhaustion. Furthermore, these parents tend to limit social interactions, which deepens their psychological difficulties. The article emphasizes that overcoming the described challenges requires a comprehensive approach to their prevention and resolution, encompassing both psychological and social support for families with children with SEN.