A Prediction of the Resilience, Subjective Well-Being and Marital Adjustment of the Parents Having Children with Disabilities based on Psycho-Social Competence

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the resilience, subjective well-being, and marital adjustment of parents having children with disabilities (PHCD) based on the relevant variables within the scope of observed psychological symptoms and coping skills. PHCDs’ resilience and subjective well-being were addressed based on marital adjustment, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, coping, conflict resolution skills, perception of control, vulnerability, and life satisfaction level; and compared with the parents who do not have any children with disabilities. In the study, the intermediary model was tested and multinominal logistic regression analysis was made. Compared to studies conducted in this area, a larger spectrum of variables and a relatively larger sample were used. The study group consisted of 530 married couples (a total of 1,060 mothers and fathers) whose children receive supportive education from the rehabilitation centers providing service for at least five years in Ankara, Antalya, Erzurum, Giresun, Gümüşhane, İstanbul, Ordu, Samsun, and Trabzon, as affiliated with the Ministry of National Education. The control group consisted of 242 married couples (a total of 484 mothers and fathers). The data were analyzed with SPSS and LISREL packages. The analyses were carried out using SOBEL and Multinomial Logistic Regression. The significant findings obtained regarding the type and degree of the disability, perceived social support, and resilience level were discussed within the scope of family guidance and counselling, psychological counselling and special education.