This book deals with stress and coping patterns among primary caregivers in the context of the growing population of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and the resulting challenges faced by caregivers in Nagaland. Despite advancements in medical health facilities and the various provisions enacted for PWDs, they have been deprived of their rights, while primary caregivers continue to experience stress due to the higher demand for caring the dependent persons. To deal with the growing stress, primary caregivers often employ various coping patterns such as emotion-focused, problem-focused, meaning-focused, relationship-focused, spiritual-focused, and social support. As family caregivers are the primary units of support for PWDs, the pastoral ministry of the church has ample opportunities to facilitate wholeness in their lives amidst the stressful tasks of caregiving.

Contents

Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Abbreviations
List of Tables

Chapter 1: Introduction and Methodology

Introduction

A Brief Understanding of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)
The Experience of Primary Caregivers of PWDs
Theological Foundations
Operational Definitions
Survey of the Previous Research
Objectives of the Research
Hypotheses
Method of Research
Scope and Limitations
Outline of the Chapters

Chapter 2: A Theoretical Framework on Disability

Introduction

Terminological Considerations
Definitions
Fundamental Rights and Privileges of PWDs
Models for Understanding Disability

Summary

Chapter 3: Stress and Coping Patterns of the Primary Caregivers

Introduction

Understanding Stress
Types of Stress
Causes of Stress
Models of Stress
Signs of Stress
Perspectives on Stress
Theory of Coping
Patterns of Coping
Burden of Caregiving
Coping Resources for Stress Management

Summary

Chapter 4: Caregiving in the Bible: A Theological Exploration

Introduction

Theological Understanding of Disability
Theology of Care and Caregiving
Theological Models of Caregiving

Summary

Chapter 5: Analysis of the Empirical Data

Introduction

Socio-Demographic Variables of Primary Caregivers and PWDs
Description of Stress and Coping Patterns of Primary Caregivers

Summary

Chapter 6: Major Findings: Examining the Validity of the Hypotheses

Introduction

Socio-demographic variables of Primary Caregivers of PWDs
Socio-demographic variables of PWDs
Correlation of Socio-demographic variables of Primary Caregivers
and PWDs and their Influence on Stress and Coping Patterns

Summary

Chapter 7: Ministry Towards Primary Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities: Implications for Pastoral Care and Counselling

Introduction

Importance of Pastoral Care and Counselling to Caregivers of PWDs
Etymology and Functions of Pastoral Care
Situating Integrative Pastoral Care to Caregivers of PWDs in Nagaland
Pastoral Counselling
Models of Pastoral Care and Counselling for Primary Caregivers of PWDs
Models of Counselling to the Caregivers of PWDs
Tribal Ethos of Caregiving vis-à-vis Cultural and Religious Resources
Suggestions: Way-forward

Suggestions for Future Research
Summary

General Conclusion
Bibliography

Dr. S. Ekonthung Ezung is from the Lotha Naga community and a bonafide member of Wokha Town Baptist Church, Wokha, Nagaland. He did his doctorate of Theology at the United Theological College, Bangalore. He is an Associate Professor at the Eastern Theological College, Jorhat, and teaches pastoral care and counselling at the BD and master levels. 

He has already published a book on Alcoholism among Married Couples: Ministerial Challenges in the year 2014. He has also contributed articles to various reputed academic journals. Currently, he is holding the Dean of Practical Ministry, ETC, Jorhat.