The Relationship Between Solution-Focused Communication Skills and Perceived Social Support: A Descriptive Levels of Study of the Perceptions of Turkish Parents with of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

ABSTRACT Purpose This descriptive, correlational study examined the relationship between solution-focused communication skills and perceived level of social support for parents of children with developmental disabilities. Method One hundred and sixty one parents of children with developmental disabilities completed a researcher developed personal information form, the Solution Focality in Communication Scale, and the Revised Parental Social Support Scale. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, in independent groups, t tests, and correlation tests. Results Findings included a positive correlation between the Solution Focality in Communication Scale and the perceived level of social support of the Revised Parental Social Support Scale and the perceived social support satisfaction level sub-dimensions (p < .001). Conclusion This descriptive study found a correlation between the level of solution-focused communication skills reported by parents of children with developmental disabilities, and the parent’s improved perceptions of social support. In addition, parents reported increased satisfaction with the social support they had received as their solution-focused communication skills improved.