Relationship between perceptions of family-to-family support, general well-being, and psychological resilience of mothers with children with special needs

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the association between perceptions of family-to-family support and the general well-being and psychological resilience of mothers raising children with special needs. Employing a descriptive correlational research design, the study included mothers of children aged 0-18 residing in a city center in northeastern Türkiye. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face interviews using the Personal Information Form, Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, General Well-Being Scale Short Form, and Family-to-Family Support Perception Scale for Families of Disabled Children. The results revealed a positive and significant relationship between mothers' perceived level of family-to-family support and their psychological resilience (β=0.437, p<0.01). Furthermore, a positive relationship was observed between mothers' general well-being levels and perceived support (β=0.315, p<0.05). However, no significant relationship was found between general well-being levels and psychological resilience (β=0.189, p>0.05). These findings underscore the significant connections between perceived family-to-family support, general well-being, and psychological resilience among mothers of children with special needs. They suggest a critical need for developing enhanced social and psychological support mechanisms to alleviate the stress and difficulties experienced by these mothers.