Resilience and Stress in Children and Adolescents with Specific Learning Disability

Presence of Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) can be extremely frustrating for a child. The present study aimed to assess the levels of resilience, depression, anxiety and stress among children and adolescents having SLD and to compare with those having Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF). It also aimed to evaluate the parental awareness about their child's learning disorder.

Eighty two children and adolescents, diagnosed as having SLD (N=41) and BIF (N=41) were selected for the present study. The participants completed Resilience Scale-14 and Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales and parents completed the Parent Interview Profroma.

Low level of Resilience was found in 75% of the children and adolescents with SLD. Severe Stress (16.6%), severe Depression (14.2%) and severe Anxiety (23.8%) were seen in this sample. The level of Resilience was lower among participants with SLD as compared to those with BIF. Ninety percent of parents were aware that their child had SLD, however, only 39% gave individual attention for assisting them in their studies.

The present study emphasizes the importance of individualized interventions dealing not only with remedial training, but also for incorporating components including parental awareness of the emotional consequences of SLD as well as individual interventions for children, focusing on strengthening their coping and Resilience.