FAMILY & ATTITUDE: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY

Abstract

The proportionality of people with mental health problems in the country is quite alarming. Families of children with mental retardation are confronted with various challenges. Majority of the siblings adjust relatively well with their brother or sister with disability.  While some siblings will have a limited capacity to adapt with the environment. This in turn affects the overall well-being of the family.  The study examines the attitude of siblings towards mentally retarded children. The study was conducted in Malappuram district of Kerala and the research design was descriptive. The results of the study showed that lots of the respondents have a negative attitude towards their mentally retarded brother/ sister. Hence results are discussed and further suggestions are given.