The Influence of the Family Environment on the Development of Children with Intellectual Disabilities: A Systematic Literature Review

Vericha Aurelia Mardita Putri, Maziddah Syifail Qulub, Inggita Daniswara, Dimas Arif Dewantoro, Naurah Salsabila

Abstract


This study aims to systematically examine the influence of the family environment on the development of children with intellectual disabilities by reviewing the latest literature from the past five years. The family environment is a fundamental aspect in shaping the cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of children with intellectual disabilities who require special intervention. The research method used a systematic literature review (SLR) with a selection process from various national and international journal databases that met the inclusion criteria. A total of 12 selected scientific articles were analyzed to identify the main family factors that impact the development of children with intellectual disabilities, including emotional support, parenting styles, socioeconomic conditions, and levels of parenting stress. The review findings indicate that a warm and supportive family environment significantly contributes to enhancing the independence, social skills, and psychological well-being of children with intellectual disabilities. Conversely, high levels of parenting stress and limited family social support represent significant barriers to child development. This study emphasizes the importance of the family’s role in designing holistic interventions and adaptive parenting strategies to support the optimal development of children with intellectual disabilities. The implications of the research findings can serve as a reference for practitioners, educators, and policymakers in improving the quality of life for children with special needs

Full Text:

PDF

References


Abdullah, Hamid. 2024. Strategies for Empowering Children with Intellectual Disabilities at the Technical Implementation Unit (UPTD) of the Kalijudan Social Shelter in Surabaya. Journal of the Bachelor’s Program in Public Administration, Surabaya State University. 2(3). 1–10

Amanullah, Ahmad Syah Roni. 2022. Understanding Children with Special Needs: Intellectual Disabilities, Down Syndrome, and Autism. Almurtaja Journal: Journal of Early Childhood Islamic Education. 1(1), 1–14.

Brown, I., & Schormans, A. F. (2024). Quality of life, children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and maltreatment. *International Public Health Journal*, 6(2), 185–197.

Health Data and Information Bulletin (Second Semester, 2014). Health Data and Information Bulletin. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, p. 25.

Chandra Astiti, I. G. A. A. S. L., & Valentina, T. D. (2024). Psychological Well-being of Parents with Children with Special Needs: A Literature Review. Innovative: Journal of Social Science Research, 4(1), 8214–8228.

Fadlilah, Muhammad. 2023. Educational Management in Schools in Accordance with the “Merdeka Belajar” Policy. Jakarta: Kencana.

Hayati, Riya. 2019. Implementation of the Classical Format of Smart Character Education (PKC-KA) in Information Services. Al-Irsyad Journal: Journal of Education and Counseling. 9(1). 89–101.

Hidayat, A. L. (2021). The Role of Family Communication in the Independence of Children with Intellectual Disabilities at the Rumah Bersama Foundation. Medialog Journal of Communication Science.

Irdamurni. 2019. Inclusive Education: A Solution for Educating Children with Special Needs. Jakarta: Kencana.

Jamilah, K. A., 2017. Special Education for Special Children: A Guide for Children with Disabilities and Learning Disabilities. Hikmah. All rights reserved. Jakarta.

Kenyon, E., Beail, N., & Jackson, T. 2024. Learning disability: Experience of diagnosis. British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 42(4), 257–263.

Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, 2024. Guidelines for Health Services for Children with Disabilities for Families. Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia. Jakarta.

Nai’mah, Tri et al. 2017. Happiness Orientation Among Parents of Children with Mild Intellectual Disabilities. Undip Journal of Psychology, 16(1), 32–39.

Nur K. K. S. (2025). The Relationship Between Family Support and Psychological Well-Being Among Parents of Children with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities. Insight Psychology Journal, Department of Psychology.

Okyere, C., Aldersey, H. M., Lysaght, R., & Sulaiman, S. K. (2019). Implementation of inclusive education for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities in African countries: A scoping review. Taylor and Francis Disability and Rehabilitation.

Pangastuti, R. (2025). The role of early intervention and consistent stimulation in supporting the development of children with intellectual disabilities. Ihsan Journal of Islamic Education.

Putri, Ulva K., and Ardisal. 2019. Parenting Styles of Parents with Intellectual Disabilities and Their Impact on the Independence of Children with Intellectual Disabilities in Bungo Pasang Painan. Ranah Research: Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, 2(1), 96–104.

Saban F, Arıkan D. “Self-Esteem and Anxiety in Children with and without Mentally Retarded Siblings.” J Res Med Sci 2023;18:961–9

Saputra, Angga. 2016. Government Policies on Inclusive Education. Golden Age: Scientific Journal of Early Childhood Development. 1(3). 1-13.

Scripps, E., Gray, K. M., Sutherland, D., Langdon, P. E., & Hastings, R. P. (2025). Supporting parents of adolescents with intellectual disabilities: A systematic review of interventions. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 38(1)

Septifani, Riski. 2015. The Role of Mothers in Fostering Independence in Children with Intellectual Disabilities. Unpublished thesis. Faculty of Psychology: Muhammadiyah University of Surakarta.

Syarbini, Amirullah. 2016. Family-Based Character Education. Yogyakarta: ArRuzz Media.

Therese, M. A. (2024). Investigating the child development of learners with special educational needs in inclusive education. SJ Impact Factor.

Tonara, A. (2023). The Role of the Family in the Level of Personal Hygiene Independence of Children with Intellectual Disabilities. Jumper: Journal of Educational Multidisciplinary Research.

Wijaya, A. S., Harwisi, N., Miftahur, R., & Zahra. (2022). Parental strategies for enhancing the independence of children with intellectual disabilities at the Untung Tuah Samarindah Special Education School. Taujihat: Journal of Islamic Guidance and Counseling.


Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


This proceeding series is indexed by:

ipiii.pnggoogle.png

ISSN: 2987-2448