This study aims to investigate the impact of adolescent ADHD and specific learning disabilities on parent-child relationships. It explores how parental emotional factors (as loneliness, stress, and mood) interact with communication patterns and overall well-being. Additionally, the research examines the role of social support as a potential facilitator in mitigating these challenges and promoting parental resilience and satisfaction.
Quantitative data were gathered from 320 parents of adolescents with ADHD or SLD through six self-report questionnaires. Using structural equation modeling within a path analysis framework, the findings indicated that perceived social support significantly mediates the relationship between parental loneliness, mood states, parent-child communication, and overall perceived well-being.
The findings suggest that social support serves as a mediating factor influencing parents' perceptions of loneliness, mood, and parent-child communication, all of which subsequently affect their overall perceived well-being. In contrast, levels of stress were found to have a direct impact on parental well-being independently of social support. Furthermore, experiences of loneliness or stress among parents were associated with a decline in perceived well-being. In addition, enhanced parent-child communication was related to increased social support.
Findings revealed that among parents of adolescents with ADHD and SLD, emotional states such as high loneliness, elevated stress, and negative mood are interrelated and influence one another. Additionally, parent-child communication was associated with feelings of loneliness.
This study emphasizes the significant challenges faced by parents, revealing difficult dynamics related to managing complex child behaviors and highlighting the persistent need for professional guidance and social support. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of parental adjustment and resilience, with important implications for developing targeted interventions, informing policy decisions, and designing community programs to better support families of children with special needs.