Parental Stress among Parents of School-Going Children Iin Ernakulam City, Kerala: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: Parental stress is a multidimensional psychosocial experience shaped by parenting demands, perceived resources and family responsibilities. This study assessed parental stress among parents of school-going children in Ernakulam City, Kerala, and examined selected demographic correlates. Methods: A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 295 parents recruited through a broad electronic invitation and voluntary participation. Data were collected using the 18-item Parental Stress Scale (PSS) by Berry and Jones (1995). Descriptive statistics, independent-samples t tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation and chi-square analysis were used. Results: Mean PSS score was 49.71 (SD = 9.13; range 22-86). Using the study's operational bands, 53 (17.97%) participants had low, 236 (80.00%) moderate and 6 (2.03%) high stress. The most prominent stress experiences concerned time/energy demands, concerns about doing enough for children, limited control, competing responsibilities and limited flexibility. No significant gender difference was found (t = -1.19, p = .236), and employment, education and number of children were also non-significant. PSS internal consistency was ? = .843. Conclusion: Moderate parental stress was predominant. Findings support family-centred and preventive approaches addressing role overload, time pressure, perceived control and competing responsibilities.
Authors: Bavitha P B, Saptarshi Sengupta
Institution: Jain University
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7213982056