ASSOCIATION BETWEEN FINANCIAL CRISIS AND DEPRESSION AMONG PRIMARY CAREGIVERS OF VISUALLY IMPAIRED CHILDREN

Abstract

Primary caregivers of children with disabilities most intently experience higher level of depression, less interactive families and increase social & psychological challenges in contrast to parents of normal children (Benson & Karlof, 2009; Higgins et al., 2005; Cook et al., 2002; Emerson, 2003). The current research explored an association amid financial crisis & depression amid primary caregivers of visually impaired children. The cross-sectional design with quantitative research methodology was used to investigate the association among two constructs. Sample of 150 individuals were recruited through convenient sampling technique. Data was collected from both rural and urban areas of Sialkot and was analyzed by the application of SPSS. The findings of the current research revealed that financial crisis and depression (r=.288**, p<0.01, p<0.05) are linked positively. Values of linear regression explored that financial crisis and depression positively predicts impact on lives of primary caregivers of visually impaired children (r=.360*, p<0.05). The current research suggests that NGOs, human rights federations, Govt. policymakers have potential to significantly impact the ability of parents or caregivers of the visually impaired children to achieve a well-rounded and balanced life.