As compared to non-parents, parenting adults are more likely to suffer from symptoms related to severe psychological stress.
We often hear parents complaining of their children 'driving them crazy'. Along with the joy of parenting, there also comes a baggage of emotional and psychological stress. Serious psychological distress is fairly common among parents and they often show symptoms like sadness, anxiety, hopelessness and worthlessness. These symptoms can signal the development of severe psychological problems, which are treatable.
To investigate the prevalence of symptoms related to psychological stress in parents, researchers at RTI International, North Carolina analysed data related to 14,240 parenting adults and 19,224 non-parenting adults who participated in a National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This involved comparing the prevalence of psychological distress in adults, aged 18 to 49 years, who participated in one-hour, face-to-face interviews. These parenting and non-parenting adults were asked how frequently during the previous year they felt nervous, hopeless, worthless, restless or fidgety; sadness or depression to the point of not being able to cheer up; or had the sense that everything was an effort.
The results showed that nearly nine per cent of parenting adults had serious psychological distress in the previous year compared with 12 per cent of non-parenting adults of similar age. It was found that regardless of parenting status, the odds of experiencing severe psychological distress were higher among women, younger adults, and those belonging to the of low income group. Among parenting adults, those who were younger, had less income, divorced or separated were most likely to report serious psychological distress.
To combat such symptoms, public health agencies and professional screening and education can play a vital role in providing early intervention and treatment.
We often hear parents complaining of their children 'driving them crazy'. Along with the joy of parenting, there also comes a baggage of emotional and psychological stress. Serious psychological distress is fairly common among parents and they often show symptoms like sadness, anxiety, hopelessness and worthlessness. These symptoms can signal the development of severe psychological problems, which are treatable.
To investigate the prevalence of symptoms related to psychological stress in parents, researchers at RTI International, North Carolina analysed data related to 14,240 parenting adults and 19,224 non-parenting adults who participated in a National Survey on Drug Use and Health. This involved comparing the prevalence of psychological distress in adults, aged 18 to 49 years, who participated in one-hour, face-to-face interviews. These parenting and non-parenting adults were asked how frequently during the previous year they felt nervous, hopeless, worthless, restless or fidgety; sadness or depression to the point of not being able to cheer up; or had the sense that everything was an effort.
The results showed that nearly nine per cent of parenting adults had serious psychological distress in the previous year compared with 12 per cent of non-parenting adults of similar age. It was found that regardless of parenting status, the odds of experiencing severe psychological distress were higher among women, younger adults, and those belonging to the of low income group. Among parenting adults, those who were younger, had less income, divorced or separated were most likely to report serious psychological distress.
To combat such symptoms, public health agencies and professional screening and education can play a vital role in providing early intervention and treatment.