The relationship between parental stress, stigma, resilience, and social support

Posted on 11 August 2026 by Pippa McClounan

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A summary of a recent research study supported by TA

Parents of children with Tourette syndrome (TS) often face unique challenges as they navigate their child's symptoms, healthcare needs, education, and social experiences. While much attention is rightly focused on supporting individuals with TS, less is known about the experiences of the parents and carers who provide ongoing support. This research project set out to explore the relationship between parental stress, stigma, resilience, and social support among parents caring for young people with TS, with the aim of identifying the key influences and predictors of parental stress.

The study provided parents with an anonymous opportunity to share their experiences and perspectives. By examining how feelings of stigma, levels of resilience, and access to social support relate to parental stress, the research sought to gain a deeper understanding of the psychological, emotional, and social factors that shape the lives of families affected by TS.

This project aligns closely with the mission of Tourettes Action to support and empower individuals with TS and those who care for them. By amplifying the voices of parents and increasing understanding of their experiences, the research aims to inform future support services, interventions, and awareness-raising initiatives that can improve outcomes for families living with TS.

Who Took Part?

Participants in the study were:

• Parents of a child diagnosed with Tourette syndrome
• Aged 18 years or over
• Able to read and understand English

Research Findings

Consistent with previous research, this study demonstrated that parenting a child with Tourette syndrome can be a highly stressful experience. The findings identified affiliate stigma, resilience, and social support as significant predictors of parental stress among parents of children diagnosed with TS.

While resilience and social support were significantly associated with lower levels of parental stress, affiliate stigma showed a significant positive relationship with stress levels. Parents who experienced or perceived affiliate stigma were more likely to internalise societal judgements about their child's condition and, consequently, report higher levels of parental stress.

The findings highlight the multifaceted nature of parental stress among parents of children with TS, indicating that stress is influenced not only by individual coping resources but also by broader societal factors such as stigma. Given the detrimental effects of parental stress on psychological wellbeing, there is a clear need for interventions aimed at reducing parents' distress and improving their quality of life.

The study suggests that interventions combining stigma reduction strategies with efforts to strengthen social support networks may provide the most comprehensive approach to alleviating parental stress and promoting wellbeing among parents of children with TS. 

Overall, this research contributes to the growing understanding of parental stress and addresses a gap in the limited quantitative literature exploring the experiences of parents of children with Tourette syndrome. 

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