Parental Irrational Beliefs and Their Impact on the Rehabilitation of Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

This study explored the irrational beliefs of parents of children with intellectual disabilities in Pakistan, drawing on Albert Ellis's Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) theory—the research aimed to identify and analyze these beliefs and their potential negative influence on the rehabilitation process. Using a purposive sampling technique, the study surveyed 150 parents from 11 government special schools in Lahore, with 50 parents of children with mild mental retardation and 100 with moderate mental retardation. A 20-item self-developed questionnaire was the primary tool for data collection. The findings revealed that most parents exhibited an extreme level of irrational beliefs, particularly demanding attitudes expressed with terms like "should," "must," and "ought". While an independent samples t-test showed a non-significant difference on the majority of variables between the two groups, significant differences were found on a few specific variables. The research concludes that these irrational beliefs can hinder the effectiveness of special education efforts. It emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach between parents and special education professionals to improve outcomes for children. This study provides a foundational understanding for developing targeted parental counseling and therapeutic interventions to confront and transform these irrational beliefs into more rational, supportive ones.