The Impact of Affiliate Stigma on the Psychological Well-Being of Mothers of Children with Specific Learning Disabilities in India: The Mediating Role of Subjective Burden

Abstract

Background: Knowledge of the impact of affiliate stigma on the wellbeing of caregivers to children with specific learning disability (SLD) in India is limited. To fill in this gap in knowledge a cross-sectional quantitative study was undertaken to assess the impact of affiliate stigma on the psychological well-being of mothers with children with SLD in India, and test the mediating role of subjective burden, using an adapted version of Pearlin's stress and adaptation model.

Methods: Sample included 100 mothers of children with SLD. Data was collected using a structured interview schedule. Descriptive statistics, correlation and stepwise regression were used as the primary analytic tools.

Results: Affiliate stigma experienced by mothers significantly predicted low levels of psychological well-being and subjective burden mediated the relationship between affiliate stigma and psychological wellbeing.

Conclusions: The findings call for developing targeted interventions to address affiliate stigma and positive appraisal of the caregiving situation, with the goal of improving the psychological well-being of mothers of children with SLD.

Keywords: Asia; India; affiliate stigma; caregiver burden; psychological well-being; specific learning disability.