The Survey of Effectiveness of Group Counseling with Cognitive – Behavioural Method in Reducing Mother’s Stress of Child with Mental Retardation under 6 Years Old Under Cover of Khorramabad Province Welfare Organization (2012)

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group counseling with cognitive – behavioral method in reducing mother’s stress of child with mental retardation less than 6 years old covered of Khorramabad province welfare organization (2012). The statistical society of this study consisted of 52 mothers of child with mental retardation who their children had file in the welfare office. 30 persons were selected by simple random sampling and were divided into two groups including trial group (15 persons) and control group (15 persons).

The method of study was quasi – experimental way with control group and random trial and data gathering tool such as Friedrich, Greenberg and Crink resources and stress questionnaire. To perform the study; the first step was pretest trial and control group and then 10 group counseling sessions with cognitive- behavioral method had hold among trial group. The control group’s mothers did not receive any counseling. Then, it established post – testing of both group again and another test provided to following – up step for two weeks after test.

The result of variance analysis with repeated measurements showed that, there is significant difference in percentage1 level between control and trial groups post – test and follow – up scores, so, the first hypothesis of this study had approved upon group counseling efficacy with cognitive – behavioral method in reducing mother’s stress of child with mental retardation. In addition, these results showed that group counseling with cognitive – behavioral method has been established significant reduction in percentage 1 level physical and emotional symptoms of trial groups’ mothers, but it did not find the significant difference in the cognitive symptoms.