Stress and work-life conflict in parents with special needs children : the impact of work and non-work demands and resources

Abstract

Work-life conflict and job stress are challenges faced by many Canadian employees. These challenges can be particularly stressful for parents with special needs children because these parents may face increased time demands, financial hardship, and a lack of support from friends, family, or their workplace. Although little empirical evidence exists on the health outcomes of these parents, preliminary research suggests that parents with special needs children do experience increased strain (Brennan et al., 2005), stress (Freeman et al. 1995), and work-life conflict (Rosenzweig et al., 2002). I developed a survey that was sent to a sample of parents caring for a special needs child in Nova Scotia and Ontario. I conducted moderated regressions to examine the direct impact of specific demographic, work, and family factors on the self-reported health and work-life conflict of parents with special-needs children, as well as the buffering effects of individual, organizational, and community support. Organizational support and job control moderated the relationship between work demands and role-specific work-related strain. Parental self care, family/friends support, and access to community programs were important moderators in the relationship between family demands and role-specific family-related strain. Implications for the employment patterns and overall health and well being of parents caring for a child with special needs are discussed.