A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SKILL-BASED TRAINING INTERVENTION IN EMPOWERING MOTHERS WITH ESSENTIAL TEENAGE CARE SKILLS FOR MENTALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN IN SELECTED MENTALLY RETARDED HOMES OF GUJARAT

Abstract

Intellectual disability, also referred to as mental retardation, is a developmental condition characterized by limitations in intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. Children with intellectual disabilities require long-term support in performing activities of daily living, communication, social interaction, and behavior regulation. As these children enter adolescence, caregiving demands become more complex due to pubertal changes, emotional instability, emerging independence, and social challenges.

In the Indian context, mothers are traditionally the primary caregivers of children with disabilities. Caring for a mentally challenged adolescent places considerable physical, psychological, and emotional burden on mothers. Inadequate knowledge and lack of practical caregiving skills often result in increased stress, reduced confidence, and feelings of helplessness. Empowerment of mothers through structured skill-based training is essential to enable them to cope effectively with caregiving responsibilities and to improve the overall well-being of both mother and child.