Özel Gereksinimli Çocuğu Olan Ebeveynlerin Anne- Baba Stresi, Aile Psikolojik Sağlamlık ve Umut Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkinin İncelenmesi

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between parental stress, family resilience, and levels of hope among parents of children with special needs. This research, conducted using a quantitative research method and a relational survey design, employed a cluster sampling method. The sample consisted of mothers and fathers of children with special needs who attended special education and rehabilitation centers affiliated with the Ministry of National Education in the Sultangazi and Gaziosmanpaşa districts of Istanbul during the 2024–2025 academic year. A total of 332 parents participated in the study, of whom 223 were women and 109 were men.

As data collection tools, the Parental Stress Scale, the Family Resilience Scale Short Form, the Dispositional Hope Scale, and a Demographic Information Form were utilized. The data analysis process was carried out using the SPSS 25.0 statistical software. Normality was assessed through skewness and kurtosis coefficients; in addition to descriptive statistics, several parametric tests such as the Independent Samples T-Test, One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), LSD test, and Pearson correlation analysis were conducted.

The findings revealed differences in parental outcomes based on demographic variables. Female participants reported higher levels of family resilience and hope compared to males, while also experiencing higher levels of stress. Parents of children aged 0–6 were found to have higher levels of hope and resilience but reported lower stress levels. Correlation and regression analyses indicated significant positive relationships between hope and resilience, while stress levels were found to be significantly and negatively related to both variables. Moreover, hope and stress levels significantly predicted resilience, whereas family resilience and stress levels significantly predicted hope.

The findings suggest that resilience plays a key role in reducing parental stress. This highlights the importance of prioritizing resilience in preventive and protective mental health services. Furthermore, interventions and programs aimed at enhancing parental hope may contribute to strengthening coping skills against stress. In this context, psychoeducational programs designed for families that aim to reinforce both resilience and hope could provide an effective approach to supporting parents’ psychological well-being.

Keywords: Children with special needs, parental stress, family resilience, dispositional hope