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Research Paper | Psychology | Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026 | Pages: 1227 - 1229 | India
Parental Stress among Parents of School-Going Children Iin Ernakulam City, Kerala: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional 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.
Keywords: parental stress; school-going children; Parental Stress Scale; parenting; family functioning; Kerala; psychosocial well-being
How to Cite?: Dr. Bavitha P. B., Dr. Saptarshi Sengupta, "Parental Stress among Parents of School-Going Children Iin Ernakulam City, Kerala: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1227-1229, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26919184712, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26919184712