STIGMA, SOCIAL SUPPORT, AND CAREGIVER BURDEN: A PSYCHOSOCIAL ANALYSIS OF CAREGIVERS CARING FOR CHILDREN WITH NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Abstract

This research investigated the connection between perceived stigma, social support, and the burden experienced by caregivers of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in Pakistan. The quantitative cross-sectional design was used to collect data on 150 caregivers who were recruited using purposive sampling of the publicly and privately owned rehabilitation centres in Faisalabad. Such standardized measures as the Parent Self-Stigma Scale (PSSS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI-12) were used. Findings suggested that there was a significant positive correlation between parent self-stigma and caregiver burden, and self-shame became the most powerful stigma-related contributor to burden. There was a significant negative correlation between perceived social support and stigma and no significant relationship between perceived social support and caregiver burden. Regression analysis revealed that parent self-stigma was also a significant predictor of caregiver burden with a significant variance of 11.7% of the burden but social support was not a significant predictor in the model. The demographic variations showed that burden was more in female caregivers and low-income families. The results highlight the significance of stigma as a crucial psychosocial factor that impacts the well-being of caregivers, as well as the necessity for culturally appropriate stigma-reduction strategies and enhanced family support networks. The paper adds context-related information to the scanty caregiving experiences literature in Pakistan.