Resilient Caregivers: Exploring Mental Health Challenges and Support Systems for Families Caring for Individuals with Special Needs
A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 771
Special Issue Editors
Interests: mental health; community healthcare; family healthcare; intellectual disabilities; vulnerable communities
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: developmental psychopathology; developmental language and speech disorders; intellectual disabilities; genetic syndromes; mental health; well being; inclusion
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Families who provide care to individuals with special needs, including those with chronic health conditions, developmental disabilities, and mental health disorders, often face unique and multifaceted challenges. These challenges can significantly impact the mental health and well-being of the caregivers themselves, as well as the overall family dynamic. Research has shown that caregivers frequently experience high levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to the demanding nature of their caregiving roles [1]. Additionally, the emotional and physical toll of caregiving can affect their quality of life, their relationships, and even their physical health [2]. Despite the growing recognition of these issues, there remains a substantial gap in comprehensive research and evidence-based interventions tailored to support the mental health of these caregivers. This proposed Special Issue aims to address this gap through collating high-quality research and reviews that explore the mental health challenges faced by families caring for people with special needs, the factors that contribute to these challenges, and the interventions and support systems that can mitigate these effects.
References
- Pinquart, M.; Sörensen, S. Differences between caregivers and noncaregivers in psychological health and physical health: a meta-analysis. Psychol. Aging 2003, 18, 250.
- Schulz, R.; Sherwood, P.R. Physical and mental health effects of family caregiving. J. Soc. Work. Educ. 2008, 44 (Suppl. S3), 105–113.
Dr. Alexandros Argyriadis
Dr. Dimitra V. Katsarou
Dr. Agathi Argyriadi
Guest Editors
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Keywords
- caregiving
- special needs
- mental health
- caregiver well-being
- family dynamics
- stress and burnout
- evidence-based interventions
- flow theory
- support systems
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