Investigation of the relationship between depression and resilience levels of mothers of individuals with special needs

Individuals open their eyes to the world with different characteristics in families with different dynamics. Some individuals continue their lives without needing anyone, while others continue their lives with constant support and assistance. These individuals who need the continuous support of others are defined as individuals with special needs. Individuals with special needs may develop above or below the developmental course of their peers. After learning that the child has special needs, the feeling of happiness revealed by the news of the baby can be replaced by feelings of pessimism, failure and inadequacy. Awareness of this situation, which can trigger a depressive and anxious attitude, is important. Mothers need different methods and supports in coping with the troubles that come with a child with special needs. It is especially necessary for them to receive social assistance and increase their resilience levels. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between depression and resilience levels of mothers of individuals with special needs. In addition, T-test and ANOVA test were used to determine whether Beck depression inventory and family resilience scale differ according to gender, age and diagnosis type variables. The findings obtained from the study conducted with 301 participants show that there is a statistically significant relationship between depression and resilience levels of mothers with special needs. The resilience levels of mothers with special needs differ statistically significantly according to the age of their children and the type of diagnosis in their children. It is important to determine the current situation in order to provide psychological and social support to families with children with special needs, especially mothers. It is valuable to identify and remove the obstacles that exist in the mother's establishing healthy relationships with her environment. It is expected that the support programs to be created within the framework of the findings will prevent the loss of money, time and power that may occur in the future.